Liverpool turned on the style at Anfield with three second-half goals as Huddersfield were unable to follow up last week's victory over Manchester United.

A frustrating goalless first half for Jurgen Klopp's Reds was capped when Huddersfield goalkeeper Jonas Lossl denied Mohamed Salah from the penalty spot.

Yet the hosts were much improved after the break, Daniel Sturridge pouncing on a mistake by Tommy Smith to score his 100th goal in club competition.

Roberto Firmino's header doubled the lead before Georginio Wijnaldum smashed home the third to lift the Reds three places up the table to sixth spot.

Huddersfield boss David Wagner won the first-half tactical battle with his close friend Klopp, but the Terriers were distinctly second best after the break.

Klopp reacted at the final whistle by planting a kiss on the Huddersfield manager's cheek, yet there was little to love about Liverpool's first-half performance.

The Reds were deprived of the services of Philippe Coutinho because of injury while Dejan Lovren was also unable to start after getting hurt in the warm-up with Ragnar Klavan coming into the team.

Yet what followed was 45 minutes of pedestrian football by the hosts, who looked like they were suffering a hangover from the 4-1 defeat away to Tottenham last Sunday.

Salah's penalty, after Smith had pulled Firmino to the ground, summed up Liverpool's frustrations as Lossl beat the ball away and Jordan Henderson's first-time shot clipped the post.

However, it was a different story after the interval.

Smith's headed clearance fell straight to Sturridge, who advanced before lifting the ball over Lossl for his first goal since August.

Suddenly, Liverpool were all flair and attack-minded.

Firminho's header from James Milner's corner gave the Reds some breathing space and it was game over when Wijnaldum smashed home the third.

Days like this have been too rare for Liverpool this season.

For all the criticism Liverpool have received for their defensive performances, this was their fourth clean sheet in five top-flight games at Anfield.

The Reds have entertained, amongst others, Arsenal and Manchester United yet Burnley remain the only team to score against Klopp's team in the league.

Huddersfield managed just one shot - Tom Ince's free-kick late in the game sailing high and wide as Simon Mignolet enjoyed a rare quiet shift.

It's an entirely different story on the road for Liverpool and their defence.

They have conceded 15 in five games on opposition soil in the league. Klopp knows he must address that record if Liverpool are to secure another top-four finish.

Huddersfield's top-flight fate will not depend on this outcome or results at any of the other 'big six' in the Premier League.

It is their home form that will decide whether they stay up and last week's win over Jose Mourinho's United shows there is plenty of fight and spirit within the squad.

Yet Wagner will be disappointed with the way his side collapsed after winning the first-half tactical battle.

Huddersfield came to defend and they did that well until Smith's error let in Sturridge. There will be concern that there was no sign of a fightback after that.

Although the Terriers have picked up four points away from home, they have not scored in the past four league away games.

Man of the match - Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool).

Source: BBC

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