Van Dijk’s brace helps Liverpool widen the race
Now an 11-point lead atop table for undefeated Reds as Man City held to draw
Liverpool’s march to a first English league championship in 30 years is turning into a procession.
Manchester City certainly looks in no state to stop it happening. The gap between the two main title contenders in the Premier League grew to a remarkable 11 points on Saturday, with a match-winning performance by Liverpool’s commanding centre back, Virgil van Dijk, highlighting the difference between the teams.
Hours after City’s shaky defence conceded an 88th-minute equalizer in a 2-2 draw at Newcastle, Van Dijk ventured forward to power home two headed goals from set-pieces and lead Liverpool to a 2-1 win over Brighton at Anfield.
Liverpool finished the match with 10 men after goalkeeper Alisson Becker was sent off in the 76th for handball outside the area, from which Brighton scored its goal at a free kick.
If third-placed Leicester, which was tied on points with Man City, fails to beat Everton on Sunday, Liverpool will own a double-figure lead after just 14 of the 38 rounds.
Even with their recent history of agonizing misses in Premier League title races, the Reds would be hard-pushed to mess this one up.
Kevin De Bruyne’s rasping strike that flew in off the crossbar gave City a 2-1 lead at Newcastle in the 82nd but Jonjo Shelveyequalized after makeshift City centre back Fernandinho conceded a free kick.
“To concede the goals we did today was frustrating,” City defender John Stones said. “It’s something that is hard for me to explain.”
City might have to go unbeaten for the rest of this season to even get close to threatening Liverpool this time round.
It’s three straight wins for Jose Mourinho as Tottenham manager — and much of that is down to Dele Alli.
The midfielder has been revitalized since Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino last week. On Saturday, the midfielder scored the opening two goals in a 3-2 win over Bournemouth.
Moussa Sissoko volleyed in a third. Harry Wilson netted twice late for the Cherrries but Spurs held on to jump into fifth place, having been in 14th place when Mourinho took over.