So it turns out Jurgen Klopp called this one wrong: Loris Karius could have played and the final result would not have been in any semblance of danger.
After 72 hours of the news agenda being driven by Karius’ erratic form, Klopp decided no good could have come from subjecting the German to an ordeal on the barren banks of the Tees, at a venue where Liverpool historically falter.
As it turned out, this became the easiest game of the campaign for any Liverpool goalkeeper. So dominant were the outfield players, so totally in control and ruthless when the chances came, it made no difference who was standing between the posts at Middlesbrough.
Adam Lallana headed Liverpool into the lead in the 29th minute as he got on the end of Nathaniel Clyne's cross from the right
Lallana celebrates in style after scoring his sixth goal of the season to put Liverpool ahead against Middlesbrough
Lallana is congratulated by James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and the rest of his team-mates after scoring
Divock Origi doubled Liverpool's advantage by getting on the end of Adam Lallana's cross after 60 minutes
Divock Origi peels away after doubling Liverpool's lead against Middlesbrough on the hour mark
Adam Lallana celebrates after scoring his second of the net and securing all three points for Liverpool
Roberto Firmino piles on top of his team-mates as they celebrate leapfrogging Arsenal and going second in the league
