It meant Liverpool's slender advantage remained intact - which even Klopp admitted he was surprised about before kick-off. The German manager also stressed their rivals slipping up meant nothing if his side did not win their own games. That they did, despite lacking fluency in a scrappy performance. For much of a drab first half, during which forward Philippe Coutinho went off injured and was replaced by the returning Adam Lallana, the Reds rarely looked like threatening an organized Watford side. Lallana, who had missed the previous five matches with a thigh injury, did clatter the crossbar with a wonderful volley after Hornets keeper Heurelho Gomes' poor punch.
However, that was soon surpassed by fellow midfielder Can. "It was a massive win," said England international Lallana. "We have three games left now and it is in our hands. We must stay focused." Reds midfielder Can illuminated what had been an insipid opening 45 minutes with a moment of inspiration shortly before the break. The Germany international, 23, carefully eyeballed Lucas' pinpoint diagonal pass into the Watford area, showing extraordinary athleticism to meet the delivery with a perfectly executed bicycle kick which left Gomes stranded. Can immediately race towards the away dugout where he was mobbed by ecstatic team-mates and manager Klopp. "That is the best goal I've ever scored," he said. "I saw the space and I ran behind and my first thought was I wanted to head it, then I didn't think too much." Team-mate Lallana added: "It was a worldy goal and worthy of winning any game."
Watford midfielder Tom Cleverley warned Liverpool before kick-off that his side would still have "a big say" in the battle at the top of the table, with Walter Mazzarri's team rounding off their season with games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton. Their priority is eclipsing the 13th-place finish and total of 45 points they secured in their top-flight return last year. And Hornets skipper Troy Deeney said he "expected a reaction" after a tame defeat at Hull in their previous game. However, that failed to materialize. Watford, for all their defensive resilience and organization, offered little attacking spark as Liverpool controlled possession and territory before half-time.
The home side improved after the break as Etienne Capoue and Daryl Janmaat finally forced Reds keeper Mignolet into serious saves, before their best chance arrived in the final few seconds. Liverpool, as they have done often this season, failed to deal with a set-piece into their box as Prodl met a flick-on with a fierce strike that cannoned back off the bar. Despite their limp performance and daunting run-in, Watford are unlikely to be dragged into the relegation battle. Mazzarri's side remain on 40 points - usually considered the benchmark for survival - eight above third-bottom Swansea who only have three games left. Watford go to defending champions Leicester City on Saturday (15:00 BST) as their tough run-in continues, while Liverpool host ninth-placed Southampton on Sunday (13:30).
