The Reds started the game on top with lengthy spells of possession being afforded to them by the hosts. But they were reduced to long-range efforts in the opening exchanges due to Derby's fairly entrenched defence. However, they did make the the most of their opportunities from set pieces and, after 24 minutes of relatively dull action, defender Ragnar Klavan was the quickest to react from Philippe Coutinho's corner to fire the Premier League side into the lead. Following the setback, Nigel Pearson's side had to open up in order for a way back into the game, which ultimately gave the visitors further space to exploit.
Klopp's team returned from the half-time break seeking more goals and it didn't take long for them to double their advantage. Brazilian duo Roberto Firmino and Coutinho combined to open up the Rams before the latter cooly slotted one home from inside the penalty area. Just four minutes later Divock Origi made it 3-0, as the Belgian international powered one into the roof of the net from a tight angle. Liverpool then made the contest a training session to shut up shop and secure their place in Wednesday's fourth-round draw.
2. Liverpool show they can break down sides who defend deep
A large focus of Liverpool's preseason work was spent on finding a way through teams who sit back against them after numerous teams overcame Klopp's side using the tactic during the 2015-16 season. It appeared that those issues were still lingering when Liverpool fell at Burnley in the second fixture of the Premier League season despite having 80 percent of the possession. But Liverpool's performances of late have shown that the Reds can find a way through defensive minded sides.
They put five past fellow Championship side Burton Albion in the previous round of the EFL Cup and scored four against Leicester City at Anfield as the Premier League champions initially looked to hit them on the break. It was clear from the very first moment at the iPro Stadium that the onus would be very much on the visitors to break down Derby.