Liverpool Extend Premiership Lead to 25 Points
Liverpool’s unstoppable charge towards their first top-flight title in 30 years is“outstanding”, says Jurgen Klopp after his side edged a narrow victory over bottom-of-the-table Norwich.
Sadio Mane came off the bench to score the winner with 12 minutes remaining,expertly taking down skipper Jordan Henderson’s raking pass and smashing in at the near post.
It means Klopp’s men need just five more wins from their remaining 12 games to guarantee their first Premier League title, having dropped just two points all campaign, and lie a mammoth 25 points clear of champions Manchester City.
“The gap is so insane, I don’t really understand it,”Klopp told Sky Sports.“I am not smart enough. I have not had that before. It is outstanding, so difficult.
“I go back into the changing room and we chat about the things and then I am like‘Oh, but congratulations.We won the game, another three points.’”
Chances were at a premium in a blustery first half, but Liverpool ramped up the pressure in the second period - Canaries goalkeeper Tim Krul making a stunning double save to deny Mohamed Salah’s low shot and Naby Keita’s close-range follow-up.
Barcelona went level on points with La Liga leaders Real Madrid after grinding out a narrow win over Getafe. Allan Nyom appeared to put third-placed Getafe ahead but his goal was ruled out by the video assistant referee for a foul on Samuel Umtiti.
Antoine Griezmann clipped Barca ahead from Lionel Messi’s excellent first-time pass and Sergi Roberto scored their second from Junior Firpo’s cross. But Angel Rodriguez’s volley set up a tense finale.
The 32-year-old, who Barcelona are considering signing in an emergency deal, guided home an expert finish from 18 yards out from Jaime Mata’s cross. That was his eighth goal as a substitute this season.
Getafe almost rescued a point but MarcAndre ter Stegen’s excellent save denied Angel a second.
Under La Liga rules, if a player is out for more than five months, then clubs can apply to sign one player from another La Liga club.
With Ousmane Dembele ruled out for up to six months - and Luis Suarez also sidelined - Barca are looking at several options, including Angel, who has a £7.5m buyout clause.
Messi has now failed to score in four consecutive La Liga appearances for the first time since October 2013 to January 2014 - although he had set up Barca’s previous six league goals before Roberto’s strike.
Real Madrid can re-establish their three-point lead on Sunday when they host Celta Vigo .