Liverpool 2-0 Watford

Joe Allen scores his third goal of the season for Liverpool

Liverpool remained eighth after they earned their first Premier League win in three games by beating Watford.

Joe Allen put the Reds in front as he guided in a Christian Benteke knock-down after Philippe Coutinho's cross.

Roberto Firmino added a second when he drove in a shot keeper Heurelho Gomes should probably have saved.

Watford's most promising chances fell to Odion Ighalo but he failed to capitalise, with his best effort seeing him shoot into the side-netting.

Relive Liverpool's win over Watford

Liverpool youngsters show their worth

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp made eight changes from the Europa League semi-final win over Villarreal on Thursday and, unlike in the defeat at Swansea after the first leg, his support cast showed their promise.

Midfielder Kevin Stewart, 22, impressed with his work-rate and 18-year-old Sheyi Ojo produced some neat touches on the right wing as he also played a part in the build-up to Firmino's goal.

Cameron Brannagan, 19, came on and provided a chance for Christian Benteke, who failed to make proper contact with his far-post header.

"I'm really pleased for the young lads," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

"In another situation you don't get these opportunities but we can give them. It's good for all of them."

Joe Allen (24) was rewarded for his run from midfield as he met Christian Benteke's (9) knock-down from Philippe Coutinho's (10) ball into the box

Wasteful Watford

There are question marks over the future of Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores and his side could have helped his cause had they taken some of their chances at Anfield.

Ighalo was the main culprit as he showed the lack of confidence of a striker without a league goal since 23 January.

The Hornets forward was twice well-placed in the first half but was dispossessed by Alberto Moreno and Martin Skrtel. When he did get in a shot after a neat bit of skill to sidestep Moreno, it was saved by keeper Simon Mignolet.

"In the first half, we created chances and didn't take them," said Watford midfielder Ben Watson. "We came out second half and gave it a real go, and were unlucky not to get anything out of the game.

"There's been loads of talk of late [about the manager]. All of the boys are behind the manager."

Man of the match - Joe Allen

Joe Allen (centre) has been involved in two goals in his past three league appearances (scored one, assisted one) which is as many as in his previous 36

What they said

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp: "We deserved to win. We scored nice goals at the right moment. Everything is OK."

Klopp has been in charge for 49 of Liverpool's 60 games this season and added: "Usually, where I come from, you need one and a half years to have 49 games."

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores: "During the match we had chances. We were competitive but we need to remove the little mistakes."

The stats you need to know

• Liverpool have scored in each of their past 12 Premier League games, their best scoring run since April 2014 (25).

• Roberto Firmino has been involved in 17 Premier League goals this season (scored 10, assisted seven), more than any other Liverpool player.

• Christian Benteke has had a hand in three goals in his past four top-flight games, assisting one (v Watford) and scoring two.

• Sheyi Ojo has provided three assists in his four Premier League starts for Liverpool.

• The Hornets have failed to score in nine Premier League games in 2016, a total second only to Norwich City (10).

• Watford have also bagged a joint-league low 12 top-flight goals in 2016 (level with Aston Villa).

What next?

Both these side are in action on Wednesday, with Liverpool playing their last home game of the season when they host Chelsea (20:00 BST), while Watford visit relegation-battling Norwich (19:45 BST).