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EPL 2016/17: Middlesbrough 0-3 Liverpool - 5 Talking Points

Liverpool players celebrate after scoring a hard earned goal against a tight Middlesbrough defence

Liverpool's title chase got back on track at Teeside with a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough which takes them above Arsenal on goal difference and six points behind leaders Chelsea. After dropping points against Bournemouth and West Ham, a defining performance was needed by Klopp's men and they delivered on it as the Reds won with a healthy score against one of the league's best defence. 

Adam Lallana opened the scoring yet again after a superb cross from Nathaniel Clyne. Divock Origi doubled the visitors lead, scoring his fifth goal in as many appearances as the young Belgian is making his mark at the club. Adam Lallana scored the third and final goal of the game to assure Liverpool of all three points as Jurgen Klopp beamed with joy with every goal that his side scored. Let us take a look at the five talking points from the match that happened between Middlesbrough and Liverpool: 

#1 Jurgen Klopp makes a decision on the goalkeeping situation at the club 

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Simon Mignolet of Liverpool celebrates the final whistle during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Liverpool at Riverside Stadium on December 14, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Simon Mignolet replaced LorisKarius as Jurgen Klopp displayed that he is not shy of taking big calls

A big decision was rumoured before the game that Loris Karius was set to be dropped for the game against Boro after coming under fire for his recent performances and the drama that has followed that. Simon Mignolet started for the Reds and did a commendable job on his return as Liverpool's number one custodian, making three decisive saves and also looked assured in getting out of his line when needed. 

Jurgen Klopp publicly defended Karius throughout the week when the pundits were having a go at the young keeper but made a wise decision to take Karius out of the spotlight and give him a few weeks rest. He must have been affected by the scrutiny and minute attention of the English media and deserves some time off the field to clear his head as there are no doubts that the former Mainz goalkeeper is Jurgen Klopp's long term choice at Liverpool. 

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