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 0 - 0 Watford
12 mins: Watford get forward down the right wing and Moussa Sissoko wins a corner after his cross is blocked behind by Andy Robertson.
The corner is a good one. Cucho Hernandez nips in front of Robertson and flicks the ball into the six-yard box but it’s straight at Alisson who clings onto the ball.
Liverpool 0 - 0 Watford
9 mins: The ball is played into Thiago Alcantara who plays a blind pass up to Curtis Jones on the half-volley. It cuts through Watford’s midfield and gives Jones space to operate on the inside right. He fancies himself from range but scuffs his effort wide of the near post.
Liverpool 0 - 0 Watford
Liverpool 0 - 0 Watford
6 mins: Chance! Watford pass the ball across to Samir who belts a long ball up the pitch. It’s a good pass that bounces away from Virgil van Dijk and drops into the path of Ismaila Sarr. He lets it bounce a second time then whacks a shot at goal on the volley sending it just over the crossbar.
Liverpool 0 - 0 Watford
3 mins: Watford have started well enough, they’re not sitting back but are getting stuck into the midfield battle. Imran Louza recovers the ball and knocks it up to Ismaila Sarr who makes a fine run through the middle and drives into Liverpool’s final third. he passes the ball out to Cucho Hernandez on the left wing but he can’t pick out Joao Pedro in the box and Alisson Becker scoops up the ball.
Kick off: Liverpool 0 - 0 Watford
Watford get the match started at Anfield. They send back to Kiko Femenia but he’s put under pressure by Diogo Jota. He wins the ball and has a go from range but his shot gets deflected behind for the first corner of the game.
Liverpool vs Watford
Here come the teams. ‘You’ll never walk alone’ rings out around Anfield. A win for Liverpool will send them to the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool vs Watford
Liverpool’s tally of 75 goals is one short of their highest after 29 fixtures of a top-flight season, set in 2013-14.
Liverpool vs Watford
Cucho Hernandez has scored three goals in his last three Premier League appearances.
Liverpool vs Watford
The Hornets are also vying to earn consecutive away wins in the top flight for the first time since a run of three in September 2017.
Their last nine points have all come in away matches as they are currently on an eight-game losing streak at Vicarage Road.
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