Derby County 0, Liverpool 3: First Thoughts

Derby County 0:
Liverpool 3: Klavan 24’, Coutinho 50’, Origi 54’

• Pre-match thought: Karius, Grujic, and Origi! Fun fun fun til her daddy takes the T-bird away. Or something. Anyway, really exciting to see the first two in a competitive match, and it’s always exciting to see Origi. Despite the changes, it’s still a very strong line-up from the Reds. Kind of amazing that Klopp can make seven changes to the squad that beat Chelsea, and no one really feels out of place or a point of concern. Well, no one except for Moreno.
• Oh dear, looks like Hendo has a touch of Coutinhoitis, ripping an ill-advised 25-yard shot early, blasting it well over the crossbar.
• Liverpool started the match with a great deal of possession, but failed to turn that possession into any real dangerous chances. As we approach the fifteen minute mark Derby have started playing themselves into the match with a bit of possession of their own.
• GOAL! Klavan stabs home a poor clearance off a corner to open up his Liverpool account. 1-0 to the Scousers!
• Can we talk about Matip for a second? Because I feel like we should talk about Matip for a second. He is so calm and effortlessly imposing. Color me impressed. What a signing.
• I love Divock Origi, but he’s still young and he just missed a huge opportunity to play in Roberto Firmino. A quick counter found the young striker in a 2-on-1 break, but he was a bit too slot pick out his Brazilian teammate, and the chance was left wanting.
• As the half draws near Liverpool have started creating a lot more chances going forward, but have yet to take the opportunity to double their lead.
• Klopp is giving out to the 4th official about a 50/50 call. In the third round of the League Cup. In a game he’s leading. I love Jürgen Klopp.
• Karius! The new keeper comes up big with a crucial last-ditch tackle with Darren Bent clear-through on goal. The German dreamboat was quick off his line, and timed the tackle outside the penalty area to perfection.
• Halftime thoughts: Liverpool were quite dominant in the first half, and should be leading by more. However, these are the kinds of matches where any lead is a good lead. Hopefully Liverpool can get a second (third, fourth, etc) goal early in the second half and put this game to bed.
• GOAL! Coutinho to Firmino to Coutinho, as easy as you’d like. The two Brazilians just cut through the Derby County defense like a hot knife through butter, with a 1-2 right through the middle, ending in an easy finish from Coutinho. 2-0!
• GOAL! Origi gets in on the action, with a goal reminiscent of his blistering strike in last year’s 6-1 League Cup win against Southampton. Coutinho ends up with the ball after some good pressing and plays Origi through on goal. The Belgian striker still had a lot to do from there, and boy did he do it, burying the shot in the top corner. 3-0!
• Immediately after the goal Emre Can comes on for Jordan Henderson. Nice to see the well-coifed midfielder back in action.
• Philippe Coutinho is replaced by Danny Ings! Great to have you back in action, Ingsy!
• Derby have their best chance of the night off a corner in the 73rd minute. Karius comes out to punch the corner, but misses and the resulting header just misses the target.
• Roberto Firmino exits to make way for debutante Ovie Ejaria. Welcome to the big time, Ovie. No pressure, kid.
• The traveling Kop sings out the Jürgen Klopp chant. I hope three goals up with two minutes of regulation left to play is an acceptable scenario for the manager.
• Final whistle thoughts: Mission accomplished. Liverpool won, and won well with a heavily changed side. As an added bonus, they were also able to give some much-needed minutes to returning injured players and a couple of yutes. A professional showing, through and through from the Redmen.

We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, join the community on the Liverpool Offside, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.