Liverpool show their Premier League class in 5-0 hammering of Burton

Sadio Mane returned from injury and played a huge role in Liverpool’s convincing 5-0 victory over Burton Albion in the second round of the EFL Cup at the Pirelli Stadium.

Mane, a £30m signing from Southampton in the summer, was making his first appearance since injuring his shoulder in training.

The Senegal international showed wonderful skill to set up Divock Origi for a simple finish after only 14 minutes.

Firmino doubled the advantage eight minutes later when he was picked out at the near post by Nathaniel Clyne to finish with a header.

The Championship side improved in the second half but the game was put out of all lingering doubt on 61 minutes when defender Tom Naylor inadvertently put the ball into his own net.

Daniel Sturridge, on as a second-half substitute, added two further goals within 15 minutes to complete the rout. James Milner was the provider for his first of the evening on 78 minutes while the impressive Mane was at the heart of the England international’s brace a short while later.

Despite a positive performance and result, it wasn’t all good news for the Merseysiders as Emre Can and Origi were forced off with injuries, though it isn’t clear how serious those knocks are at this stage.

Liverpool are taking the League Cup seriously. It is truly refreshing to see a team such as Liverpool finally treating the EFL Cup with some respect. Jurgen Klopp named a close to full-strength side for the fixture in response to Liverpool’s disappointing result against Burnley on Saturday. The Reds reaped the rewards, proving too much for Burton. It is becoming ever increasing difficult to claim silverware in England and this performance is an indication that Klopp is desperate to seal domestic success this season.

Sadio Mane (Liverpool) – He was forced to watch from the sidelines as his team failed to break down Burnley and the forward took his frustration out on poor Burton. He was raring to go from the first whistle and proved a real headache for the Championship side. Mane adds so much to the Liverpool attack and his fitness will prove key this season.

Burton: Bywater 5, McFadzean 5, Williamson 6, Beavon 6, Akins 6, Dyer 5, Butcher 5, McCrory 5, Naylor 5, Choudbury 5, Irvine 5. Subs: Palmer 5, Fox 5, Harness 5.

Liverpool: Mignolet 6, Clyne 7, Lovren 6, Matip 6, Milner 7, Henderson 6, Can 6, Lallana 5, Firmino 7, Mane 8, Origi 7. Subs: Stewart 5, Wijnaldum 5, Sturridge 7.

14’ - GOAL - Burton 0-1 Liverpool! The deadlock is broken, Origi puts the visitors in front. Mane is the provider and it's a lovely assist! He slides past two challenges before rolling the ball across the face of goal for his team mate who taps the ball in.

22’ - GOAL! Burton 0-2 Liverpool - Firmino doubles the Reds' advantage. Bywater puts his team in all kinds of trouble as he throws the ball to the feet of Clyne who uses his blistering speed to get to the byline and picks out his team mate who is left with a simple header.

43’ - PENALTY APPEAL! Mane appears to be caught by the defender in the penalty area but the referee signals play on. The replay shows the Liverpool forward has every right to feel aggrieved.

61’ - GOAL! Burton 0-3 Liverpool - Naylor puts the ball into his own net to end any lingering doubts about the winner of this match. Milner's corner delivery is sent towards the back post, the goalkeeper doesn't get near it and the last touch comes off the defender.

78’ - GOAL! Burton 0-4 Liverpool - The Reds further increase their lead with a well taken goal. Mane and Milner play a one-two with the latter finding Sturridge at the back post who is able to tap the ball into an empty net.

83’ - GOAL! Burton 0-5 Liverpool - Sturridge at the double! Mane collects the ball in a wide area, beats his marker before finding Sturridge in the penalty area who takes a touch before hammering the ball beyond the reach of Bywater.

Six of the 11 goals Divock Origi has scored for Liverpool have been in cup competitions (4 in League Cup, 2 in Europa League).