Liverpool show strength in depth at start of gruelling December schedule
Sixteen of the 19 outfield players used by Liverpool in 2019-20 have scored, with their strength in depth evident in the win at Bournemouth.
December: The month Liverpool's Premier League title bid is supposed to come off the tracks.
Yet here we are, seven advent calendar chocolates down, numerous Christmas parties already in the books, and Jurgen Klopp's Reds keep adding to their own Carry On series: Carry On Winning.
The 5-2 victory over Everton on Wednesday was their first of nine games in 26 days across the final month of the year. A festive schedule so packed it might rival the Radio Times' bumper Christmas edition.
How would a squad perceived to be weaker than rivals Manchester City's group cope with such a haul? One that includes two games in as many days, in countries 3,000 miles apart.
The early indications are they will be just fine.
The Egyptian had scored just once since the end of October but appeared refreshed and revitalised having had Wednesday night off.
It was his delicious backheel assist that took out three Bournemouth players and teed up Keita for the second, with the roles then reversed for a game-sealing third after the break.
Of course, sterner tests than out-of-sorts Everton and Bournemouth lie in wait, including a crucial Champions League encounter with Salzburg on Tuesday and a top-of-the-table tussle at Leicester City on Boxing Day.
Yet this is a Liverpool side boasting greater strength in depth, one equipped for a flurry of festive fixtures across four competitions.
Surely only the grinches can confidently predict December will be Liverpool's undoing this time around?