Liverpool extend lead atop
London, Jan. 20: Liverpool moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah’s double inspired a dramatic 4-3 victory over Crystal Palace, while Manchester United stretched their winning streak to seven games as they beat Brighton 2-1 on Saturday.
With second-placed Manchester City travelling to bottom of the table Huddersfield on Sunday, Liverpool seized the chance to tighten their grip on the title race.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were pushed hard by Palace but Salah’s predatory instincts and a woeful mistake from Eagles keeper Julian Speroni ensured Liverpool improved their unbeaten home league run to 32 games.
Liverpool’s haul of 60 points from 23 games tops the Reds’ previous best tally of 59, set at the same stage of the 1893-94 and 1987-88 campaigns.
Man U march on At Old Trafford, Manchester United extended their superb form since interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced the sacked Jose Mourinho.
After a minute’s applause to mark the 25th
anniversary of the death of United’s legendary manager Matt Busby, Solskjaer’s side took the lead in the 27th minute.
Gaetan Bong conceded a penalty with a foul on Paul Pogba and the France midfielder stroked home the spotkick for his 10th goal of the season.
Pogba’s “rocking the baby” celebration was to mark him becoming a father for the first time, with his girlfriend Maria Salaues believed to have given birth this week.
United winger Marcus Rashford marked his 150th game for the club with his side’s second goal in the 42nd minute.
Rashford sent a superb finish into the far corner from a tight angle for his fourth goal in his last five games.
Pascal Gross reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute, but United weren’t to be denied as they moved within three points of fourth placed Chelsea, who face Arsenal later on Saturday.
Solskjaer, the first United boss to win his first six league games, has made an incredible impact since arriving from Molde.
“I can’t complain can I? I am smiling and this is one of these things I will remember for the rest of my life,” Solskjaer said.
“It’s been a roller coaster and it’s class to be here,” he added.
Newcastle stay afloat Newcastle climbed out of the relegation zone with a
3-0 win over Cardiff at St James’ Park that saw their opponents drop into the bottom three.
Southampton boosted their bid to avoid relegation with a 2-1 victory against Everton at St Mary’s.
Bournemouth beat West Ham 2-0 with goals from Callum Wilson and Josh King, while Watford drew
0-0 against Burnley.
— AFP