Seventh heaven for Liverpool as they brush aside Maribor

From first minute to last, there was never any doubt as to who was the better side in this one with Maribor unable to prevent a constant stream of attacks from their illustrious opponents.

Fresh from recent criticism, Jurgen Klopp's men went about putting the question marks over their defending to one side by offering a tantalising glimpse into their attacking capabilities.

The opener came after just four minutes when Salah robbed an opponent before teeing up Roberto Firmino.

Coutinho was next in the queue, slotting home from the edge of the box after a fine pull-back from James Milner. Klopp and his side were in no mood for mercy though and continued to pour forward with gay abandon. The third came just seven minutes later via Egyptian Mohamed Salah who found the net after good play from Firmino. Salah then continued his fine run of recent form by adding his second and Liverpool's fourth just before the break following a cross from Alberto Moreno.

The second half began as the first had finished, with Liverpool completely on top, Firmino extended their lead further by heading home Coutinho's free kick, whilst the only thing the home side could accumulate was yellow cards. Milec, Vrhovec and Hotic were all booked before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain slotted home following a pass from Daniel Sturridge and Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home from long range via a deflection to complete the scoring for the 'Reds'.

All in all it was a comprehensive victory for Liverpool, who remain top of the pack, just ahead of Spartak Moscow on goal difference after they crushed Sevilla 5-1.

"Our attitude was really outstanding. We scored wonderful goals and played wonderful football," Klopp said after Liverpool's biggest ever European away win.

"I know at the end it looked like Maribor were not good but it was not easy against us today. It was a very mature performance."