MX23RW : Monday, December 23 02:58:08| >> :120:10804:10804:

Premier League roundup: Liverpool's title hopes take huge hit as Manchester City win at Anfield

Ilkay Gundogan scored twice having earlier missed a penalty.

An Ilkay Gundogan brace and two errors from goalkeeper Alisson Becker saw Manchester City stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a fine victory over reigning champions Liverpool.

The Germany midfielder had earlier blazed over a penalty after Raheem Sterling had been tripped but was on hand to put the visitors ahead and on course to a 4-1 win at Anfield.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was able to recall captain Jordan Henderson, Alisson and Sadio Mane for a key game in the title race.

But Alisson gifted City two goals after Mohamed Salah had levelled with a penalty of his own, the Brazil number one twice passing straight to opposing players as Gundogan and Sterling made him pay.

Phil Foden hit a fine fourth to wrap up the win for the visitors at Anfield.
Phil Foden hit a fine fourth to wrap up the win for the visitors at Anfield. (Jon Super/PA)

Phil Foden thrashed home a fourth – which Alisson may have also done better with – as Liverpool slumped to a third successive home defeat.

The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side five points clear of Manchester United with a game in hand, while Liverpool are now 10 points adrift in fourth.

Chelsea moved up to fifth and within a point of the Champions League places thanks to another Jorginho penalty.

Days after the Italian struck from the spot to secure a 1-0 win at Tottenham, he was at it again with the decider in the 2-1 win at Sheffield United.

Mason Mount fired the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute, but Antonio Rudiger put through his own net early into the second half before Timo Werner won Chelsea a penalty.

Jorginho dispatched it confidently with 58 minutes played to secure a third straight victory under new boss Thomas Tuchel, which leaves the Blades at the basement.

Harry Kane scored on his surprise return to the Tottenham team as they beat struggling West Brom 2-0 to return to winning ways.

Jose Mourinho had seen Spurs lose three in a row but was able to call on striker Kane, who has been missing with an ankle injury.

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min were the scorers once again as Tottenham beat West Brom.
Harry Kane and Son Heung-min were the scorers once again as Tottenham beat West Brom. (Matt Dunham/PA)

The England skipper missed a couple of good first-half chances but broke the deadlock shortly after the interval, collecting a thread-needle ball from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and slotting home.

The points were wrapped up by Son Heung-min, who finished well from a Lucas Moura pass to end a recent goal drought, while the Baggies saw two Mbaye Diagne goals correctly ruled out for offside as they chased the game.

Fabio Silva missed the pick of the chances as Wolves and Leicester played out a goalless draw at Molineux.

Kasper Schmeichel made a crucial late save from Fabio Silva as Leicester left Wolves with a point.
Kasper Schmeichel made a crucial late save from Fabio Silva as Leicester left Wolves with a point. (Justin Tallis/PA)

The 18-year-old had a golden opportunity to win the game for the hosts late on, only for his effort to be well-saved by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Leicester welcomed Jamie Vardy back after groin surgery, with the experienced striker coming on just after the hour-mark but unable to help the high-flying Foxes break the deadlock, heading just wide in stoppage time.

ID:434243: cacheID:434243:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:10005:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!