Liverpool eyes top spot in unusual season
Wiping out Manchester City’s 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League looks an onerous task. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is at least gaining hope from a season with so many sudden variables.
Squads are being stretched by coronavirus cases, African Cup of Nations absentees, injuries and postponements that can overload schedules.
Liverpool managed to end a threematch winless run in the league by beating Brentford 3-0 on Sunday, even with its attacking options depleted by Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane being on international duty in Cameroon.
Midfielder Fabinho headed in a corner just before halftime, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored his first league goal at Anfield since July 2020 and Takumi Minamino completed the win after coming off the bench.
Having surrendered the trophy to City last season, Liverpool has a game in hand on the leaders, which could cut the deficit to eight points for Klopp’s side.
“We don’t have to convince anyone outside to believe,” Klopp said. “If you are with us, you will enjoy the ride and we will go for everything. We are ready to go as much as we can.
Oxlade-Chamberlain went off injured, which could be a blow with Liverpool going to Arsenal in the semifinals of the League Cup after a goalless first leg.
Leeds United 3, West Ham 2
West Ham came back twice against Leeds, thanks to Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals, but Jack Harrison’s third goal sealed the win for the visitors in east London.
West Ham remained in fourth place by two points but it has played more games than the teams below that are chasing the final Champions League spot.
Leeds travelled to West Ham without nine first-team players..