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
81 mins: Robertson’s floated ball up the pitch is aimed towards Sadio Mane but the ball drops over his head and is nodded back to Be Foster by Samir.
Jurgen Klopp is looking a little perplexed on the sidelines. It hasn’t been the best performance from his Liverpool team.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
78 mins: Emmanuel Dennis, Josh King and Tom Cleverley are all brought on for Roy Hodgson for a final push to get an equaliser. Cucho Hernandez, Joao Pedro and Imran Louza are the players taken off.
Just over 10 minutes to play at Anfield.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
75 mins: Chance! Gomez dinks a nice ball over the top into the left side of the box where Robertson meets it on the volley with a pass into the six-yard area. Firmino is hovering for a tap in but Foster drops low and smothers it before the ball reaches the Liverpool forward.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
72 mins: The closer this game gets to the end with Liverpool still only a goal ahead the more nervous the fans will start to get. Watford have been good today, they’ve limited Liverpool’s chances and are defending well.
Andy Robertson swings in a corner kick but once again the visitors deal with it without too much trouble.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
69 mins: Mo Salah is taken off by Jurgen Klopp with Sadio Mane brought on for the final 20 minutes. Salah’s had a quiet day for Liverpool.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
66 mins: Fabinho’s introduction sees him win a free kick high up the pitch on the left wing. Watford defend it easily enougn but Liverpool keep the attack going. Another cross comes in from the opposite side this time and Mo Salah leaps high to send a headed effort over the crossbar!
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
63 mins: Joe Gomez gives the ball to Jordan Henderson who curls a first time shot into the box and almost picks out Diogo Jota but the ball drops just over his head.
Fabinho comes on to replace Curtis Jones for Liverpool.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
60 mins: Chance! Ismaila Sarr gets in behind Joel Matip and may be offside but play goes on and he sets up Joao Pedro in the middle of the box who drives an effort mere inches wide of Alisson’s left post.
Fabinho is being readied to come on for Liverpool. He usually brings more control in midfield for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Liverpool 1 - 0 Watford
57 mins: Roberto Firmino picks out Mo Salah on the right side of the box but his first touch allows Hassane Kamara to get back and turn the ball behind for a corner.
The corner is whipped in by Andy Robertson who picks out Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk gets a strong head to the ball and powers it over the crossbar.
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