This was an ice-fire clash at Anfield, and winter is approaching. With Merseyside experiencing temperatures as low as -4C, Liverpool put on a scorching display to solidify their position as Group E champions and guarantee a comfortable trip to the Europa League knockout stages.

Making this a “special night” and advancing to the next round of the competition was Jurgen Klopp’s challenge to his players, and they easily defeated Austrian side LASK.

In many respects, it was a perfect night for Klopp and company, with goals from Mo Salah and Luis Diaz complemented by a brace from Cody Gakpo. A goal for each of the starting front three, assured play throughout, and lots of playing time for young players and fringe players.

In addition, a number of important players, like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk, spent the evening on the substitutes’ bench wearing snoods, caps, and puffer coats. 

That’s probably going to happen once more when Liverpool visits Union Saint-Gilloise for the last group match in two weeks.

Cody Gakpo (middle) and Mohamed Salah (right) both got on the scoresheet on Thursday

Salah calmly converted from the penalty spot at Anfield to score his 199th goal for Liverpool 

“Excellent performance and excellent result,” Klopp added. “No one was hurt.” It’s the most significant competition on the planet when we play this one. The Premier League match is this Sunday; that’s what matters most.With the visit on Sunday, Klopp’s team will be playing eight games in 23 days, so the calm European evenings are particularly significant. 

He was the mastermind behind everything that went right for Liverpool, helping them take a two-goal lead after just fifteen minutes.On minute thirteen, he headed in the first goal and then sprinted in to finish a one-two with Gomez and hammer home the second after seizing the ball in a risky spot. Salah was fed by him, and after dancing past a defender, he set up Gakpo for an easy tap-in.

Luis Diaz had set Liverpool on their way to a comfortable night with a headed opening goal

Liverpool’s third goal gave Jurgen Klopp the chance to take Salah and Diaz (pictured) off

For the first time at Anfield, Salah led Liverpool out as captain, continuing a pattern in which he has been a consistent starter in this competition even with many other important players frequently sitting on the bench. 

After Gakpo was sent off early in the second half, he scored his 199th goal for the team from the penalty spot.

In injury time, Gakpo scored his second goal of the match and added a fourth for Liverpool with a clean finish. 

He had gone close to tying the score with a long-range shot earlier in the half, but he handled his goal wonderfully after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brilliant pass split the defence.

Young defender Jarell Quansah was given greater playing time by Klopp, who also stated that Quansah “played a super game.” Many urged us before the season that we ought to purchase a defender. Jarell was with us. “Boy from home, cool under pressure, strong in the clutch.”

Salah’s goal had put the result beyond any doubt, having earlier teed up Gakpo to make it 2-0

There was lots of smiles at the end as Liverpool’s win means they have topped Group E