(Football news) Liverpool moved two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after an emphatic 4-0 win over Manchester United at Anfield. Goals from Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane completely outclassed the Red Devils in what was a ruthless display by the hosts. Man City can restore their one point advantage if they defeat Brighton today while Liverpool’s quadruple hopes remain alive with every passing match.

Liverpool found the breakthrough in the 5th minute when Sadio Mane put Salah away on the right flank and the Egyptian crossed the ball to Luis Diaz who tapped it in. Things got worse for Manchester United when Paul Pogba was forced to be substituted due to injury and Liverpool doubled their advantage when Mohamed Salah’s side footed shot went into the back of the net in the 22nd minute. Liverpool were unlucky not to have scored a third soon after when Luis Diaz’s goal was adjudged offside. 

At half-time, Jadon Sancho replaced Phil Jones for Manchester United and United’s performance improved. Liverpool goalkeeper Allison was forced to make saves from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga but the visitors simply couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities and were soon punished when Lindelof’s pass was intercepted by Andy Robertson who passed to Diaz and the Colombian provided the assist for Sadio Mane to coolly finish into the corner. Salah then added the cherry on top in the 85th minute with Robertson winning possession once again in the build-up.

Speaking after the match, Jurgen Klopp said “I don't expect us for 95 minutes to be completely in charge of the game, I think we were for 70 minutes. They changed at half-time the formation, so their high press was different. Our first decision was passing the ball in and around the six-yard box which ended up with a corner for them. 

“First half we were really in charge of the game and you wish of course we pick up from there, but it's a 15-minute break and we needed 10 to 15 minutes more to be ourselves again. We controlled the game again, scored wonderful goals and won the game. I thought our counter-press was second to none, it was unbelievable how we won the ball back. With the speed and desire the boys showed tonight that's how we scored the first goal. A really good game and wonderful goals, everybody is happy." 

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick said “We have to be critical of ourselves, because what we played in the first 45 minutes was not what we wanted to see, what we wanted to play. I don't think our performance had anything to do with formation. Being 1-0 affected our confidence. We did not dare to attack them, we looked afraid to be outplayed. We changed from a back five to a back four again and I think the first 25 mins of the second half was a lot better but still in that moment we didn't score. 

“I don't think we have checked out, they are just better than us. They have 25 Formula One racing cars in their squad. I don't think it makes sense to speculate about our chances of making the top four after a performance like today. There will be a rebuild for sure but that does not help us when we still have five games to play. It is extremely embarrassing for me as a coach to have press conferences like this one. If you analyse the situation it is not difficult to analyse. For me, it is clear there will be six, seven, eight, maybe ten new players. Before you sign those players you need to be aware of how you want to play." 

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