Reds stay on course

Silently, Liverpool move to verge of first title since 1990

For once, Liverpool’s players were alone.

But even though the Kop was quiet, Liverpool’s relentless title charge roared on.

The Reds moved to the brink of a first league title in 30 years with a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday at an empty Anfield – a stadium that normally has such a raucous atmosphere it has become one of the most intimidating venues in world football for visitors.

“Imagine if the stadium could have been full today and people could have experienced that live,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said.

“It would have been amazing.”

The rout of Palace was a reminder of Liverpool’s dominance before the season was paused because of the coronavirus – even without the visitors from London having to endure a spine-tingling fan chorus of the club anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

Just the audio was played for the 300 people allowed into the stadium.

Still there many moments to savour on the night Liverpool moved 23 points clear of City.

Trent Alexander-Arnold curling a free-kick over the wall for the opener in the 23rd minute.

Fabinho lifting the ball over the defence for Mohamed Salah to bring down with his chest before slotting past goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey just before half-time.

Fabinho drilling in a powerful shot from distance 10 minutes into the second half.

And Sadio Mane racing onto Salah’s throughball before completing an electric break in front of the empty Kop in the 69th minute.

“I have never missed them more than tonight,” Klopp said of the fans.

Norwich are six points from safety after Michael Keane’s header gave Everton a 1-0 victory over the last-place team.

Aston Villa remained in 19th place but are level on points with West Ham in 17th after Ahmed Elmohamady came off the bench to recover a 1-1 draw at Newcastle with an 83rd-minute header.

Newcastle looked to be heading for a second win in four days when Dwight Gayle put the hosts into a 68th-minute lead with his first goal for the club in more than two years. — AP

— aP Sharpshooter: Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scoring the second goal against Crystal Palace during the english Premier League match at anfield on Wednesday.

— Reuters/ AfP Smashing hit: Liverpool’s fabinho lets out a cry after scoring the third goal against Crystal Palace at Anfield while Alexander trent-Arnold runs off in celebration after scoring the team’s opening goal.