Match Report- Liverpool 5 Swansea 0

Liverpool breeze past Swansea with 5-0 Boxing day win

Match Report

Mitch Freeley

Liverpool proved too good for the bottom of the table Swansea dispatching with the Welsh side 5-0 at Anfield. It didn't take long for Liverpool to take the lead. With the match just five minutes old, Philippe Coutinho smashed the ball into the top right-hand corner, getting the better of Swans keeper Łukasz Fabiański. Predictably, Liverpool enjoyed the majority of possession in the first half, but couldn't make their advantage count although they did come close with solid efforts from Firmino and Emre Can who draw solid saves from Fabiański. As the first half came to an end Swansea mustered their only real chance of note, Scottish striker Oliver McBurnie saw his effort go just wide.

Liverpool stepped up in the second half and scored a second six minutes after the restart this time Coutinho picked out compatriot Firmino who smashed in a volley to make it 2-0. From there Liverpool didn't look back, just after the hour mark Trent Alexander-Arnold grabbed his sides third with a memorable volley, whilst a minute later Firmino tapped in from close range to make it 4-0.

Swansea seemed to lack any defensive nouse in the second half, and this was perfectly shown in Liverpool's fifth and final goal from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The midfielder chased the ball down in the box, out hustling the Swansea defenders before lofting the ball into the net. Based on this performance, Liverpool deserves their place in the top four with their unique brand of attacking football. Whilst for Swansea they gave the performance of a side resigned to relegation, something needs to change at the Liberty stadium and quickly.

Live Coverage

Full time- It's all over at Anfield Liverpool run out 5-0 winners against Swansea

90+3- Last chance for Swansea! Tammy Abraham with a looping header! Well saved by Mignolet

90+1 The effort from Coutinho hits the wall

90+ 1 Dangerous freekick for Liverpool

87- Solanke again! Cross from Coutinho, but the English youngsters volley goes well wide!

86- Chance Liverpool! It could have been six! Sub Dominic Solanke's effort gathered by Fabiański

84- Liverpool are really in the mood here, looking dangerous in every attack. Swansea is struggling badly.

82- 5-0! The ox strikes for Liverpool! Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain battles for the ball in the box, shrugs of a defender and lofts the ball past Fabiański a fine finish from the England international.

79- Liverpool more than content to keep the ball here.

66- 4-0 Liverpool! It's a rout! This time Salah squares the ball to Firmino and the striker makes no mistake from close range. It's the second goal of the match for the Brazillian.

65- GOAL! 3-0 Liverpool! Young defender Trent Alexander-Arnold picks up the ball on the edge of the box and slams the ball into the back of the net 3-0!

52- Goal! Liverpool have a second! Firmino is picked out at the back post by Coutinho, the Brazilian volleys the ball into the net 2-0!

Halftime- Liverpool has the lead through a Coutinho screamer. 1-0 at the break

36- Late flourish from Swansea! McBurnie saw his shot blocked. The bottom side is still in this game.

30- Chance for Liverpool! Firmino with a long distance effort fails to trouble the Swansea goal

29- Swansea seem to be seeing more of the ball, encouraging for Leon Britton's side

26- Chance! Potshot from the OX! His effort flies way over the bar.

Not feeling the live updates? You can watch the match exclusively on beIN SPORTS CONNECT

22- The Gegen press is in full flow tonight! Emre Can helps win the ball, pushes forward but his shot is gathered up by Fabiański.

18- Oliver McBurnie with a chance for the Swans, easily saved by Mignolet.

16 - Liverpool are ramping up for a second here, clipped ball from Coutinho is just too far for Salah

10- Close for Liverpool! The ball falls to Robertson, but the Scottish defender screws his effort wide.

8- Chance for Swansea! Jordan Ayew's header is caught up by Simon Mignolet

5- GOAL! Just like that Philippe Coutinho smashes one into the top corner. Some strike from the Brazillian 1-0 Liverpool.

4- It's been a tame start so far, Liverpool with the majority of the possession, no chances of note...

Kick-off! We are underway at Anfield.

Pre-match

Five minutes to kick-off! Liverpool must be confident taking on Swansea, especially with their prowess in front of goal. However, the festive season can throw up a few shock results.

Wonder what this young fan got for Christmas? My guess is a Jurgen Klopp mask... Just over 30 minutes to go before Kick-off

SWANS UP NEXT!

Naughton has passed a late fitness test and starts at right back. Tammy Abraham the man, who I had tipped for glory today is on the bench.

WE HAVE THE TEAM NEWS! Liverpool up first.

The Ox starts after a brief cameo against former club Arsenal. As expected Henderson misses out with an injury, he is replaced by German international Emre Can.

Hello and welcome to today's live blog for Liverpool Vs Swansea. As ever, you can watch the match exclusively on beIN SPORTS CONNECT if that is your vibe. If not, you can stick with me updating the game, as you sit through an awkward Boxing day family gathering or something.

Liverpool will be looking to push back into the top four places with a victory when they welcome bottom of the table Swansea to Anfield in the final match of the traditional boxing day fixtures. Jurgen Klopp’s side has drawn three of their last four Premier League matches and will be targeting three points against a Swansea side who have not won away in the Premier League in the last seven attempts. Jordan Henderson will be absent for Liverpool after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-3 draw with Arsenal. Whilst Swansea will be without full-back Kyle Naughton who pulled his groin in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. As ever you can watch the match exclusively on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Key Men

Sadio Mane could be crucial for the Redmen in breaking down a Swansea defence that will likely set up to frustrate the attacking talents of Liverpool. Mane last scored in the Premier League at the end of November, the Senegalese international has only scored four times this season, and is the lowest scoring player in Liverpool’s “fab four” made up for Salah, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho and will be aiming to find the back of the net when Swansea head to Merseyside.

Tammy Abraham will have to be at his very best if Swansea is to come away with any points this evening. The young striker is the sides leading scorer with just four goals this term and will have to take any chances that come his way. Leon Britton impressed in his first match as caretaker for the Swans, coming from behind to draw with Crystal Palace and moral will be high in the camp heading into the Tuesday evening match.