Liverpool made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League as they beat Crystal Palace 7-0 at Selhurst Park.
The champions looked back to their best as they brushed Roy Hodgson's team aside in ruthless fashion to stretch their lead at the top of the table.
First half goals from Takumi Minamino, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino gave the Reds a comfortable lead at the break, with captain Jordan Henderson adding to the scoreline in the second half.
Firmino netted his second after good work from substitute Mohamed Salah, who was named on the bench, with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp confirming that he wanted to rest his top scorer ahead of the busy Christmas period.
Salah then netted his own goal, after heading in a Matip flick-on from Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner, and added another with a curling effort from outside the box.
"Both teams are in the same situation, playing Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday so it will be a tough ask," Klopp told BT Sport before the match.
"Palace are playing a similar system to Tottenham, they like to counter attack so we have to go again.
"Mo Salah is on the bench, they have all played a lot of games. He can come on and make a difference. We need all the boys.
"Bringing in Eze in was smart business for Palace, Schlupp has found his position, Zaha is playing higher - it is a proper Premier League team."
Liverpool's win will send a message to the rest of their title rivals, not least the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Reds beat Spurs 2-1 on Wednesday to leapfrog Jose Mourinho's side in the table, and their latest win has gone down rather well with some supporters of Tottenham's London rivals.
With Spurs recently considered as contenders for Liverpool's crown after topping the table, there were some nervous Arsenal and Chelsea fans who will have been willing another side to step up and take top spot from Tottenham.
@SodyHalliday wrote: "That Spurs win might be the jolt Liverpool needed to push them closer to the title. Definitely have found their mojo back."
@JaskaranBrahach said: "Liverpool have really gone and slapped Palace 7-0 who spurs drew with. To think there's Thiago, Jota, VVD missing from this game as well.... people really thought they had a chance at the title this year."
@AndrewLawrnce said: "Liverpool smacking Crystal Palace 7-0 and Tottenham tying them a few days ago is EVERY reason I do not want to hear about Spurs being title contenders. They barely scathe out of most of their games."
@Makaveli2B posted: "Liverpool totally annihilating Palace when Spurs were brought to their knees by that very same team just a week ago. What title race?"
@LekanLeks_ said: "With all the problems they have and Liverpool are still top? Hilarious that some are suggesting Spurs can win the title."
