Demonstrating once again their incredible attacking potential, Liverpool's 4-0 demolition of Bournemouth today took the Reds back into the top 4 of the Premier League.
With goals coming from Philippe Coutinho, Dejan Lovren, Mohamed Salah and Robert Firmino, it was Liverpool's opening goal from Coutinho that really captured the attention.
An incredible solo effort, it only served to highlight the reasons why Barcelona prized Liverpool's Brazilian attacker so highly.
Needless to say, Sky Sport's Patrick Davison - a man who did a good job of riling Jurgen Klopp after last week's drawn Merseyside derby - was on hand to broach the issue of Coutinho's expected departure.
A continuous bone of contention for Liverpool fans since the Brazilian looked set to depart for the La Liga club in the summer transfer window, today's man of the match Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was in no mood to witness the same exchange carried out again:
Phil is a Liverpool player now and he is doing really well for us, he's been the most professional player for us all season.
He's been top quality from the start, and every time he gets on the pitch he gives his all for the club. That's the most important thing right now [and] it's not fair to ask those kind of questions.
He gives us his all every game and that's all you can ask of him.
It goes without saying that Liverpool fans - and fans generally - are quite happy with the former Arsenal man's interjection.
Really impressive from Oxlade-Chamberlain in the post-match interview. Coutinho asked about his future and Oxlade-Chamberlain steps in and deals with it.
— Kristian Walsh (@Kristian_Walsh) December 17, 2017
Well in Ox, looking after Coutinho in the post-match interview there.
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) December 17, 2017
Love Ox for stepping in there when Coutinho looked uncomfortable, brilliant 👏🏻
— Liam 🔴 (@LiamLFCButler) December 17, 2017
Love the way Ox jumped and helped out Coutinho in that interview. Leadership qualities.
— Scouse Beaut (@ScouseBeaut) December 17, 2017
Brilliant from Ox in that interview. Protected Coutinho and the club to a degree. Well done Ox ....spoke really well and liking him more and more
— Jay (@Jay82_LFC) December 17, 2017
Love that from Ox. Tells the Sky reporter to leave it out when he pressures Coutinho about whether he wants to stay. Steps in and says he’s “the most professional player in the squad”. Well in.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) December 17, 2017
Oxlade-Chamberlain interceding on Coutinho’s behalf after question to the Brazilian on his future 👏👍 “Not fair to ask those questions—he’s been the most professional player"
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) December 17, 2017
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continues his impressive display through to the post-match TV interview. He interjects as Phil Coutinho is asked about his future and supports his team-mate, highlighting the Brazilian's professionalism and labelling the question unfair.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) December 17, 2017
You can watch Oxlade-Chamberlain's unwavering response below.
What a man!
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain helping Coutinho answer when they asked him again regarding him leaving.
Big future for #LFC ? pic.twitter.com/vidRWUBaZ9
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) December 17, 2017
