Liverpool returns to top spot
LONDON — Before returning to the top of soccer’s Premier League, Liverpool got to savour a Manchester United humiliation.
Now, unusually, Liverpool needs a swift recovery by its great rival after United’s despair at being routed 4-0 by Everton on Sunday.
Liverpool’s hopes of ending a 29-year English title drought could hinge on a big favour from sixth-place United when it hosts Manchester City on Wednesday.
After beating Cardiff, 2-0, on Sunday, Liverpool is two points ahead of City with three games remaining. But Pep Guardiola’s champions have a game in hand over Liverpool so defending the title is still in their control — unless they fail to beat United.
For Arsenal, the challenge in its remaining four matches is sealing a top-four finish to qualify for the Champions League.
That mission was hampered by a 3-2 home loss to Crystal Palace that left Unai Emery’s side in fourth place but only ahead of Chelsea on goal difference and a point behind Tottenham.
Liverpool record
Liverpool’s breakthrough against relegation-threatened Cardiff only came in the second half — the sixth successive league game Liverpool has won by scoring a winner after the break.
Georginio Wijnaldum met Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner at the near post in the 57th minute.
“The boys decided the routine for the first goal in the dressing room at halftime,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. “We had different routines but the players decided and I love that.”
Liverpool was disrupted by losing Fabinho following a clash of heads and James Milner was sent on to play what proved to be a decisive role.
Milner netted from the penalty spot in the 81st minute after Sean Morrison grappled Mohamed Salah, who fell to the ground.
“Morrison used his hands four or five times and (referee) Martin Atkinson took his time but eventually gave a penalty,” Klopp said.
Liverpool now has a club-record 88 Premier League points, beating the 86 managed in the 2008-09 season. But there’s still a first championship crown since 1990 to secure.
Cardiff’s mission is staying in the Premier League and the South Wales side remains in the last relegation place — three points from safety with three games remaining.
United collapse
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer apologized to fans after United lost for the sixth time in eight matches in all competitions — a spell that includes the manager’s caretaker position being turned into a permanent job on a three-year contract.