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That was emphatic, dominant, clinical, just impressive.

Adam Lallana takes the headlines and Jurgen Klopp's decision to drop Loris Karius results in a clean sheet.

Middlesbrough fans, I feel for you. The first half gave some hope, a few chances, a little energy. After the break it was dismal though, chasing shadows. As things stand Boro will be 17th and in need of a fine festive period.

Liverpool are second and, importantly, back to winning ways.

David Simpson: If Liverpool keep a clean sheet, Mignolet and Klavan almost definitely keep their place.

Salman Jeffer: Lallana and Origi might steal the headlines tonight but there's no doubt that Mane has been the most influential player tonight.

KoloKK: Adam Lallana... doff your hat. He's taken this game by the scruff of the neck.

Sadio Mane is looking for shooting space... nothing doing. He has wasted a fair few chances tonight, not that the travelling Liverpool fans will dwell on it too much.

A slight concern for Liverpool fans as Divock Origi hobbles off to be replaced by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Origi had called for treatment.

Stewart Downing tries to show Liverpool why they paid so much money for him under Kenny Dalglish with a burst up the left. It comes to nothing, much like most of his play at Anfield did.

This game is now dead. Turn the lights out.

A lot of home fans are heading for the exit. They just watched Adama Traore get beyond James Milner but his cross was blocked.

Well done Adam Lallana, that's the type of display that gets you a hug from Jurgen Klopp. Two goals, one assist. If only I had him in my fantasy football team.

Lucas is on.

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James Milner is forward from left back and wants a dig... it's blocked. Middlesbrough will get a reprieve and a foul on the break away kills the game briefly. Lucas is stripped off on the bench.

Adam Forshaw shoots from long range, well wide.

This fixture now resembles a pre-season friendly as Middlesbrough refuse to press - the life sucked out of them - and Liverpool have no need to force the situation.

One wonders if Aitor Karanka should start trying to get further support to Alvaro Negredo in future fixtures as he has been so isolated tonight that the threat is non-existent.

The Spaniard is taken off, Jordan Rhodes given the task of getting a hat-trick.

As Liverpool's fans sing loudly in their section, one worries for Middlesbrough here. Aitor Karanka's side are getting pinned in, the shot count for the away side is growing. 

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Still Jurgen Klopp barks instruction. There just seems no way into this for Middlesbrough now. Still they find themselves chasing the ball as Liverpool's midfielders and full backs keep it for fun. Aitor Karanka looks on, a face of confusion and concern.

Jurgen Klopp grabbed his assistant after that second goal. Perhaps he was worrying Liverpool's chances were coming and going with no reward. They blew a lead at Bournemouth remember. I'd be stunned if the same happens here.

In a nutshell, Middlesbrough offered something in the first half but Liverpool's grip is tightening. More of the ball, more territory, chances being created. 

If you are just joining us, an Adam Lallana header is the difference.

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Liverpool fans are up off their seats expecting a second as Sadio Mane races clear but the flag goes up. Sit down, ladies and gents, nothing doing here.

Middlesbrough's best moment of the second half and it's hardly all too inspiring as Fabio swings a cross in but it's too high for Alvaro Negredo.

Viktor Fischer and Adam Clayton depart, Stewart Downing and Grant Leadbitter enter.