December 01, (THEWILL) – Liverpool FC secured top spot in their Europa League group with a match to spare after thrashing Austrian side, LASK, 4-0 at Anfield on Thursday.
An early double strike from Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, put the Reds in control, before Mohamed Salah’s 199th goal for the club from the penalty spot and Gakpo’s late second sealed a comprehensive win.
The result means Liverpool avoid a dreaded knockout round playoff tie in February and progress straight to the last 16 as group winners. Manager Jurgen Klopp will be delighted to avoid additional fixtures in an already packed December schedule. Liverpool have been dominant in Europe this season and top the group on 12 points.
The Reds extended their 100% home record in Europe to 10 games, keeping a third straight Anfield clean sheet. Liverpool have now scored 30 goals in front of their home fans, conceding just 4 times. Klopp rang the changes from the weekend draw at Man City, making nine in total, but the gulf in class was evident as Liverpool tore through the Austrian league leaders.
Liverpool now turn their attention back to the English Premier League and the visit of strugglers Fulham on Sunday, as they look to build momentum heading into the hectic winter period.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
