Liverpool vs Watford LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction after Diogo Jota and Fabinho goals
Liverpool 2-0 Watford: Diogo Jota and Fabinho scored as the Reds eased to victory at Anfield
Liverpool leapfrogged champions Manchester City to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Watford at Anfield on Saturday thanks to a first-half header by Diogo Jota and a late Fabinho penalty.
The hosts grabbed the lead moments after goalkeeper Alisson Becker denied Watford’s Juraj Kucka with a sharp save, as Jota timed his run to perfection at the other end and nodded in a cross from Joe Gomez in the 22nd minute.
It was Portuguese forward Jota’s 14th league goal and 20th in all competitions this season, and the 25-year-old could have added to his tally shortly afterwards but for goalkeeper Ben Foster, who saved his effort from close range.
Substitute Fabinho made sure of the three points in the 89th minute by blasting his spot kick into the top corner after the Video Assistant Referee spotted a foul by Kucka on Jota in the penalty area.
The result meant Liverpool have 72 points from 30 matches, two points more than City ahead of the two sides’ blockbuster clash next weekend. Pep Guardiola’s men can reclaim their lead and a one-point advantage if they beat Burnley later on Saturday.
Former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson’s relegation-threatened Watford pushed for an equaliser in the second half but could not prevent the home side from wrapping up a 10th straight league victory. Watford remain 18th with 22 points.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
54 mins: Curtis Jones carries the ball through midfield and squares it across to Diogo Jota. He shifts away from a tackle and has a go from range. He catches it okay but the shot is always rising and sails over the crossbar.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
51 mins: Thiago guides a diagonal ball out to Salah on the right wing and he attempts to play Gomez in behind on an underlapping run. Cucho Hernandez is back to intercept the pass and clear the Watford lines.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
48 mins: Chance! Liverpool work the ball down the right side and Joe Gomez whips a cross into the middle. It goes over Roberto Firmino but Andy Robertson is arriving at the back post. Christian Kabasele is aware of the danger and jumps in front of the left-back to head the ball over the goal. Good defending.
Second half: Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
Kick off: Liverpool get the match back underway. There are no changes from either manager at half-time. Can Liverpool add to their tally or will Watford find a way back into the game?
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
As it stands Liverpool are moving to the top of the Premier League ahead of the 3pm kick offs. Watford will remain 18th but could get caught by Burnley if the Clarets defeat Manchester City later on.
There are five games kicking off at 3pm:
Brighto vs Norwich
Burnley vs Man City
Chelsea vs Brentford
Leeds vs Southampton
Wolves vs Aston Villa
Later on Manchester United are hosting Leicester in a must win game if the Red Devils want to keep their hopes of a top four finish alive.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
Diogo Jota has netted in each of his last three Premier League starts (four goals in total).
It’s his 14th Premier League goal this campaign and his 20th in all competitions for Liverpool this season.
Half-time: Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
45+2 mins: There goes the whistle to end the first half. Liverpool take a slender lead into the break after Diogo Jota’s header from a Joe Gomez cross.
Watford have created a couple of decent chances themselves but it looks like a tough task ahead of them for the second 45 minutes.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half. Joe Gomez stops a break from Joao Pedro with a tug of the shirt and picks up a yellow card.
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