Liverpool stepped up their preparations for the return of the Premier League with a 6-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Thursday.The Reds are just two wins away from their first English league title in 30 years and the unexpected delay brought about by the coronavirus pandemic will have Jurgen Klopp's men chomping at the bit.And just in case there was any doubt about their determination, it was apparent in their second match at Anfield since phased training returned and their first against opposition outside of the club.The first-team squad had initially contest an inter-squad friendly, which the 'home' side won thanks to Sadio Mane and Naby Keita strikes, but this week's fixture will have felt more like the real deal.Blackburn might only be a Championship outfit and a mid-table one at that, but a scoreline of 6-0 is still a fine achievement for a Liverpool side who have now gone three months without a competitive fixture.Besides, you only need to look at Arsenal's embarrassing friendly defeat to Brentford this week to see how teams can suffer from rustiness.You can check out the highlights from Liverpool's victory over Blackburn below and keep your eyes peeled for a few moments of magic from a fit and refreshed Keita.
The Reds took 10 minutes to assert their dominance with Mane once again getting on the scoresheet after Rovers 'keeper Christian Walton parried Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's strike.
January signing Takumi Minamino came close to scoring shortly afterwards, but made no mistake in squaring the ball to Naby Keita, who has been hailed for his performance, to make it 2-0.
The Japanese international then bagged a goal of his own with a sweeping finish from Mane's delivery.
Klopp made no less than seven substitutions at the interval and Liverpool truly put the game beyond Blackburn's reach shortly after with two goals in two minutes.
Joel Matip headed home from Roberto Firmino's glance, before exciting youngster Ki-Jana Hoever found the top corner.
The final goal then came from another youngster, Leighton Clarkson, who finished competently in the penalty area to give Liverpool a real confidence boost ahead of June 21.
So, there you have it, Liverpool winning at Anfield. The sky is blue, grass is green and water is wet.
Whether they win the Premier League against Everton or Crystal Palace, you just know that the Reds are going to be gunning for the trophy they should have already lifted with a vengeance.