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
40 mins: Save! Liverpool send the corner across the box where Diogo Jota is free to run towards the back post. He shoots first time but Ben Foster is off his line quickly and charges down the effort.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
37 mins: Kiko Femenia sends a corner into the box but it gets headed out to Ismaila Sarr. He twice shimmies to the right trying to open up room to shoot but gets dispossessed. Liverpool then break on the counter-attack with Henderson flickin the ball out to Salah on the right. He carris up to the box but Hassane Kamara dives across and knocks the ball out for a corner.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
34 mins: Roberto Firmino’s cross into the box is headed out by Imran Louza. The ball comes to Thiago but he can’t control it properly under pressure from Moussa Sissoko. The ball bobbles up and seemingly hits the Watford captain’s arm. Liverpool appeal for handball but the referee isn’t interested.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
31 mins: The corner ball comes into the Watford box and Cucho Hernandez takes a knock and stays down. The physios are on to see to him but it looks as though he’ll be okay to play on.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
28 mins: Liverpool come up the left side of the pitch and play the ball inside to Thiago Alcantara. He guides a one-touch pass into the box for Andy Robertson’s overlapping run but Moussa Sissoko slides in and turns the ball behind for a Liverpool corner.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
25 mins: It’s been over a year since Liverpool last lost a Premier League game at Anfield and they don’t look likely to do so today. They’re starting to control more of the ball and keep Watford’s counter-attacking play to a minimum.
GOAL! Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford (Jota, 22’)⚽️
22 mins: Liverpool lead! Just as Watford created their best chance on goal through Joao Pedro, Liverpool sweep up the pitch and burst into life. Jordan Henderson sends it wide to Joe Gomez on the right wing and he slots a beautiful curling cross into the six-yard box. Diogo Jota makes a run from deep, gets in between the two centre-backs and meets the ball int he air. He wins the header and guides it into the back of the net.
Liverpool 0 - 0 Watford
21 mins: Imran Louza swings a corner into the box for Watford. Liverpool win the initial ball and it’s headed up to Mo Salah. He tries to bring the ball under control but Moussa Sissoko fouls him with a high foot.
Save! Liverpool waste the free kick and lose possession. They give the ball to Joao Pedro who drives down the pitch and slots in Juraj Kucka who forces a fine save out of Alisson.
Liverpool 0 - 0 Watford
18 mins: Liverpool pass the ball back to Alisson who’s pressed by Hernandez. Alisson releases the ball but gets clipped by the Watford striker’s late challenge. He’s not happy about the tackle but Hernandez had to go for the ball.
Liverpool 0 - 0 Watford
15 mins: Liverpool intercept the ball after a mini counter-attack from Watford. It’s played up to Mo Salah on the right wing and he pulls it back to the edge of the box for Diogo Jota. Jota takes a first time shot but completely miscues it and spoons his effort high over the goal.
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