Liverpool 3-0 Middlesbrough: Klopp guides LFC back into the Champions League

Jurgen Klopp has ended his first full season by guiding Liverpool back into a Champions League place.

The reds finish inside the top four for just the second time this decade after three quickfire goals either side of the half time whistle.

Gini Wijnaldum eased the first half pressure when he scored a well worked goal just before the half time whistle.

Phil Coutinho and Adam Lallana added another two goals early in the second half.  At 0-0 - the reds were due to finish 5th with Man City and Arsenal comfortably in front against their respective opponents.

There was just the one change for Liverpool - with Roberto Firmino recovering from his injury last week.  Coutinho continued to operate in a more central position - as he did against West Ham.

The reds were dominant, but Middlesbrough were holding firm.  Coutinho and Sturridge struggled to find space - their attempts forced wide.

Lovren, who looked nervous throughout the first half, almost gave away a penalty with a clumsy first half challenge that the referee decided wasn't a foul.

With goals raining in at the Emirates Stadium, LFC fans began to get nervous.

But just as a goalless half time looked likely, the reds worked a nice 1-2 and Wijnaldum drilled his shot inside the near post.

Second half and the reds quickly put the game to bed.

Coutinho magnificently lifted a free kick over Brad Guzan (another fine goal for his expanding collection) before Lallana tucked away the third after good work from Wijnaldum and Sturridge to recover Lallana's initial wayward pass.

Yes! 3-0. pic.twitter.com/5qf177XuYo

— Anfield Online (@anfieldonline) 21 May 2017

It was Klopp's 50th competitive win as LFC boss and a significant one.