LONDON: Liverpool edged closer to securing the Premier League title with a 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield on Wednesday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold zipped the Reds into a 23rd minute lead with an exquisite free-kick from distance and Mohamed Salah doubled the advantage just before the break with a neat finish.
Fabinho added a third in the second stanza, drilling in from range, before Salah sent Sadio Mane through to add a slick fourth.
The result means Liverpool require two more points from their remaining seven fixtures to be crowned champions – or they will clinch the prize for the first time in 30 years should Manchester City fail to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
The team news…
Liverpool were able to recall Salah and Andy Robertson to their starting line-up after the duo had recovered from minor knocks. They were part of four changes made by Jürgen Klopp, with Joe Gomez and Georginio Wijnaldum also coming in.
James Milner and Joel Matip missed out due to issues sustained during Sunday’s goalless draw at Goodison Park against Everton.
The action…
Liverpool got under way knowing a win would ensure they took a significant step towards getting their hands on the Premier League trophy.
It was the hosts who created all the early pressure – and Wijnaldum was left clutching his head in his hands when he skewed wide inside the area from Andros Townsend’s wayward attempted clearance.
Jordan Henderson then scooped high into the Anfield Road end from a decent opening before Roberto Firmino’s exchange with Mane resulted in the former having a low drive saved by Wayne Hennessey.
Palace were dealt an early blow, too, when Wilfried Zaha hobbled from the field with 16 minutes on the clock.
And the Reds’ pressure finally told midway through the first half. Alexander-Arnold delightfully curved a free-kick over the wall and into the corner of the goal from 25 yards to reward the early dominance.
Liverpool went close to furthering their advantage on 28 minutes, but Henderson’s instant return from a half-cleared free-kick cannoned against the base of the post. (Source: liverpoolfc.com)
