Liverpool maintained its pursuit for a first League title in 29 years with a battling 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Cardiff City in the Premier League on Sunday.
After Manchester City moved to the summit with a hard-fought triumph of its own against Tottenham just over 24 hours earlier, the Reds were made to sweat in the April sunshine by a side occupying the final relegation spot in the table.
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Eventually, Liverpool found a clever way to break down a stubborn Cardiff defence, Georginio Wijnaldum meeting Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner with a powerful first-time finish.
A foul on Mohamed Salah by Sean Morrison allowed James Milner to wrap up a ninth successive win in all competitions for Jurgen Klopp's side from the penalty spot, meaning the club now sits two points clear of the reigning champion, which has a game in hand.
After booking its place in the Champions League semi-finals in midweek, Liverpool returned to domestic duties knowing only a victory would suffice in the Welsh capital. Roberto Firmino carelessly lifted the side's best chance of the first half over the top, wasting good work by fellow forwards Salah and Sadio Mane as his left-footed shot cleared both the advancing Neil Etheridge and the crossbar.
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Cardiff's goalkeeper was needed to make a close-range save to deny Salah shortly after, though Liverpool did not pick up the pace until after the interval, leading to Wijnaldum’s 57th-minute strike from a well-worked set piece.
Having wasted a free header with the score at 1-0, letting Alisson off the hook after the goalkeeper had failed to deal with a corner, Morrison was adjudged to have pulled down Salah in the other penalty area, allowing Milner - who replaced fellow substitute Fabinho due to a head injury - to put the result beyond doubt.
What does it mean? Over to you, City
For some time now, the Manchester derby has appeared the crucial fixture in deciding who will be crowned champion.
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Pep Guardiola’s side can leapfrog Liverpool again with victory at Old Trafford on Wednesday, putting it in pole position to retain its title with three games remaining. Astonishingly, Klopp’s squad could end up as bridesmaids on 97 points.
Gini shows his bottle
Wijnaldum's form has dipped during recent weeks, yet the midfielder made a crucial impact in a must-win situation, showing excellent technique to slam home a rolling ball.
Morrison's unwanted impact
The Bluebirds captain had a glorious chance to nod in an unexpected equaliser only to fluff his lines, while his grappling with Salah ended any hopes the home side had of getting something from the game.
What's next?
Liverpool hosts relegated Huddersfield Town at Anfield next on Friday, while Cardiff City travels to another Championship-bound club in Fulham the following day.
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