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Darwin Núñez fired Liverpool into the lead
Photo:
Carl Recine / REUTERS
Liverpool FC is the old and new football leader in the English Premier League. Coach Jürgen Klopp's team celebrated a hard-fought but well-deserved 3-1 (1-0) win against bottom of the table Sheffield United on Thursday evening. Thanks to the success in their own stadium, the Reds pushed Arsenal FC back from the top of the table after 24 hours.
Darwin Núñez (17th minute), Alexis Mac Allister (76th) and substitute Cody Gakpo (90th) caused wild celebrations in the Anfield stadium with their goals. An own goal to equalize by Conor Bradley (58th) had temporarily dampened the mood in the stands and gave hope to relegation candidates Sheffield, who were playing well.
The guests from Sheffield had already made an exclamation mark in the first minute of the game and only narrowly missed taking the lead. Liverpool keeper Caoimhín Kelleher was just able to parry a shot from the unmarked James McAtee with his foot. Afterwards, Klopp's team increasingly took control of the game, but missed numerous opportunities and also hit the woodwork. Liverpool had to tremble for a long time until Gakpo finally released his team with a header.
The three-way battle in the Premier League remains very exciting. On Wednesday, runner-up Arsenal fulfilled their duty with a 2-0 win against Luton Town and defending champions Manchester City increased the pressure on their rivals with a 4-1 win against Aston Villa. Liverpool lead the table with 70 points with eight games remaining. The Gunners are second with 68 points. Man City is in third place with 67 points.
mkl/dpa/sid