Liverpool 3 Middlesbrough 0: WATCH HIGHLIGHTS as Gigi Wijnaldum, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana ease Kop nerves to qualify for Champions League ahead of Arsenal

LIVERPOOL booked their place in next seasons Champions League, after eventually easing past Middlesbrough at Anfield.

Gigi Wijnaldum, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana did the damage, to cement Liverpool's seat at Europe's top table next term, at the expense of Arsenal.

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Arsenal fans in touch with proceedings at Anfield will wonder how things could have turned out, if the home side were and should been reduced to 10 men.

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With Liverpool looking edgy and struggling to break down the visitors, Dejan Lovren clumsily brought down Patrick Bamford in the box.

It had to be a penalty and red card for Lovren, but referee Martin Atkinson decided to wave play on, much to the relief of the home fans who held their breath.

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The breakthrough came just before half time, Roberto Firmino combined with Wijnaldum who drilled home inside Brad Guzan's near post.

Coutinho made it safe the other side of the break with a brilliant free kick and Adam Lallana made it three when he coolly slotted home from close range after another counter attack.

Facts, Stats, Goals and Lols

• There was a nervous feel around Anfield, and the anxious supporters weren't helped by early goals for Manchester City and Arsenal which left them in fifth temporarily.
• Middlesbrough will feel hard done by not to have been awarded a penalty when Dejan Lovren looked to climbed over the back of Patrick Bamford.

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• Georginio Wijnaldum's strike on the stroke of half-time was massive for Liverpool, had they gone into half-time at 0-0 it would've been an edgy interval.
• Brad Guzan should have done better with Philippe Coutinho's free-kick that doubled Liverpool's lead - it was on his side of the goal.
• Fitting that Coutinho should be the man to fire Liverpool to the Champions League, a player who deserves to play on the big stage in Europe.

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• Adam Lallana added a third in the 56th minute to secure Liverpool's top-four berth and a return to Europe's elite.
• Lucas came on for the final 12 minutes of what may well be his last game at Anfield after 10 years of service as a Red.
• Even more good news for Klopp's men as they'll be seeded for the Champions League play-off round in August, meaning they'll avoid Sevilla or Napoli.

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• Sadio Mane received an award from Steven Gerrard before kick-off for making it into the PFA Team of the Year.
• Daniel Sturridge's return to the starting line-up has been timely to say the least. Liverpool have scored seven in their last two having looked bland and stale going forward before that.

Big Picture

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Social Says

Dream Team Ratings

LIVERPOOL:Mignolet 7, Clyne, Matip 7, Lovren 6, Milner 7 (Moreno 86,6), Can 7, Wijnaldum 8, Lallana 8, Coutinho 9, Firmino 7(Lucas 79,6), Sturridge 6(Origi 82,5)
Subs not used:Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Klavan,Grujic.
Goals:Wijnaldum, Coutinho, Lallana
BORO: Guzan 6, Fabio 6(Ayala,71), Chambers 6, Gibson 6, Friend 7, Clayton 6, Leadbitter 6, Forshaw 6, Downing 6, Bamford 6, Gestede 7 (Negredo 71,6)
Subs not used:Dimi, Bernardo, De Roon, Fischer, Stuani,
Booked: Gestede
STAR MAN PHILIPPE COUTINHO

What they said

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports: "We are Liverpool. We have to deliver. We did it again. We have to improve and we will but for now, today, it is a big relief.

"I asked for the results at half time and not before, so I had no idea about the Arsenal score.

"A club like Liverpool needs to be in the Champions League. Other clubs have the same target so it is not easy to be there consistently.

"I am proud of the boys, we worked a lot and everything is good. Now we have to build on it."

Middlesbrough boss Steve Agnew, speaking to Sky Sports: "It has been a difficult season. We have not won enough games or scored enough goals.

"We have a summer now to reflect. there will be lots of talk and discussions about how we ended up in the position we did and how we get back.

"I am sure there will be talks taking place over the next couple of weeks and we will see where we go."