01/19/20 01:37:00
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01/19 13:35 CST Liverpool goes 16 points clear by beating Man United 2-0
Liverpool goes 16 points clear by beating Man United 2-0
By ROB HARRIS
AP Global Soccer Writer
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) --- Mohamed Salah ripped off his Liverpool jersey at a
freezing Anfield after completing a 2-0 victory over Manchester United in
stoppage time on Sunday and rousing fans on the Kop to sing: "We're gonna win
the league."
It's been a 30-year wait but there is no longer any trepidation from the
Liverpool supporters as their team has moved 16 points in front at the Premier
League summit.
"Now you're gonna believe us," they chanted.
It took Salah getting on the end of goalkeeper Alisson's inspired long ball
with the final whistle about to blow for the Liverpool title party to begin
with four months of the season remaining.
Although Liverpool only held a slender lead heading into stoppage time ---
after Virgil van Dijk's 14th minute header from Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner
--- the ineffective United attack meant this victory never appeared in doubt.
Even with Liverpool unbeaten through 22 rounds and with a game in hand, the
players aren't as bullish as their fans in declaring the title a done deal.
"I think everyone wants us to say something about it but we won't," Van Dijk
said. "In the squad we cannot, and we won't. It is one game at a time."
Liverpool could even afford to have two goals ruled out, including Roberto
Firmino's curling strike due to Van Dijk's foul on United goalkeeper David de
Gea in the buildup. Salah also scuffed a shot and captain Jordan Henderson hit
the post.
"You have to find a way and we did," Van Dijk said. "We had to put everything
on the line and we kept a clean sheet again so I'm happy with that."
Liverpool is closing in on a 19th English title, one behind the record haul
United built with 13 Premier League successes under Alex Ferguson.
But it is United's neighbor Manchester City that is the nearest but still
distant challenger to Liverpool, 16 points behind in second place in its ailing
title defense.
United is 30 points behind Liverpool in fifth place.
"They had moments when they played football," Klopp said of United. "But it's
not too often."
Closing the five-point gap on the fourth Champions League place is the mission
for United.
"There were times we took the game to them and created chances, big chances,"
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjr said. "We then send everyone up to get the
equalizer and they get the goal.
"They stamped their authority on the game, they lead the league deservedly and
they are the most direct team in the league. They put you under pressure and
you have to concentrate at the back."
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