A title-chasing Liverpool eased past Huddersfield as the Reds put in a five-star performance to top the league on Friday night.
A lightning fast start put Liverpool in the ascendancy as Naby Keita scored his second of the season after just 15 seconds. Stankovic was robbed of possession by Mohamed Salah who set up the Guinean midfielder for the first goal of the evening. Huddersfield then enjoyed a period of possession but halfway through the first half, a trademark Robertson cross from the left set up Sadio Mane to double the lead. On the stroke of half time, Mohamed Salah got in on the act – Trent supplied the assist, playing in Salah who lobbed Jonas Lossl to make it three nil.
Deep into the second half, Jordan Henderson’s teasing first time ball put it on a plate for Mane to score his second header of the game in front of the Kop. After going into cruise control, Salah finished off the night by adding his second – tapping in from close range following another Robertson cross finishing off a superb Liverpool move.
A routine win capped off Liverpool’s night, sending them back to the top of the League, just a point clear of City – who face Burnley on Sunday.
Race for the Golden Boot – who will score the most goals?
Both Mane and Salah added to their goal tally’s on Friday evening both scoring twice. Mane’s brace takes him second in the table, just one above Sergio Agüero and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who are both on 19 goals. Salah tops the table and his double takes him into top spot as he looks to retain the Golden Boot for the second consecutive season.
Last season, Salah scored 32 goals, breaking the record for the most goals scored in a 38 game season. With only two games left for Reds, it looks unlikely that he’ll replicate his impressive tally, but the Egyptian remains on course to be the highest goalscorer in the league this season.
Danger in defence
Alexander-Arnold and Roberston have accumulated an impressive 21 assists between them this season and it seems this is Liverpool’s new founded offensive threat. In previous seasons, Liverpool have looked at a high press or a sole striker to provide goals, but Klopp’s new fullback system is proving worthwhile.
The most Premier League assists in a season is held by the legend, Thierry Henry who has 20. A remarkable tally may seem a long-shot for Robertson or Trent, but considering they are defensive right and left backs, it goes to show their attacking impetus from wide positions.
Huddersfield’s endeavour not absent
Despite being battered and utterly dominated, the Terriers showed glimpses of quality at Anfield. Huddersfield responded well to going behind and left players higher up the pitch, anticipating gaps that Liverpool would leave – this resulted in Town managing to force three corners. This fearless approach created a few problems for the hosts.
Karlan Grant was Huddersfield’s main outlet, taking on Trent he constantly provided energy and threat on the flanks. Dejan Lovren almost handed Huddersfield a goal too; Bacuna’s run caused him problems and Lovern’s late challenge took the ball off Bacuna and span it carelessly across goal passed Allison, only for the sliding outstretched leg of Karlan Grant to narrowly miss it. Soon after, Steve Mounie was clean through on goal after Henderson lost possession. However, Mounie took far too long, fluffed his lines and failed to get his shot off – which just shows why Huddersfield have struggled for goals this season.
Stark contrast in quality
Liverpool showed their true colours on Friday night in a dazzling display. Salah was sensational, chasing loosing balls, applying pressure – he looked a constant threat for 90 minutes and is well on his way to being back to his scintillating best. His performance was matched by Mane, who also provided speed, intelligence and impetus on the other flank.
On the other hand, Huddersfield are now 77 points behind Liverpool, which represents the biggest gap between top and bottom, since the Premier League was formed. And to makes things worse, Town have picked up just four points from the last 69 available. This loss also moved them closer to a rather undesirable title. 29 losses in a season is the record not to beat, and at the moment Ipswich, Sunderland and Derby are all tied with it.
However, after Friday’s game, Town are up to 28 defeats in the league with two games left. Both Manchester United and Southampton stand in their way, and they look likely to round off a miserable season for the Terriers.
Man of the match: Andrew Robertson
Despite two thrilling performances from both wingers, Robertson created two well worked goals and never seemed vulnerable defensively. Despite a game against Messi next week, Robertson never hesitated to overlap and create attacking runs, he is beginning to look pivotal in this Liverpool team with 12 assists.
