Reds boss Jurgen Klopp believes his side have to win every sport for the relaxation of the season to pip City to the identify. That ambitious goal can't be dominated out on Liverpool's present day shape and Leeds were no suit for the identify chasers at Anfield. Mohamed Salah netted two times from the penalty spot either aspect of a Joel Matip goal. Sadio Mane bagged a brace in the 2d half and Virgil Van Dijk completed the rout.
Liverpool have received their ultimate nine games in all competitions, with none extra vital than this fulfillment in their recreation in hand on City. City have been 12 factors in advance of Liverpool only some weeks ago, but that lead has fast been whittled away with the aid of a mixture of the Reds' blistering streak and multiple blips from the champions. Klopp admits he enjoys being a pain inside the "decrease again" to City as Liverpool refuse to permit their identify rivals shy away.
The level is ready for a huge warfare with 12 video games left for both teams as City aim for their fourth English crown in 5 seasons and Liverpool look to win their 2d in the closing 3. Despite the League Cup very last in opposition to Chelsea looming on Sunday, the title is Klopp's priority and he recalled Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson among 5 changes from the win towards Norwich.
Robertson changed into concerned when Liverpool took the lead in the 15th minute. Leeds defender Stuart Dallas turned into adjudged to have blocked the Scot's pass together with his arm, conceding a penalty that Salah flippantly converted for his twenty sixth membership intention this season. Matip become the not going supply of Liverpool's second aim inside the thirtieth minute. The Cameroon defender superior from the lower back and exchanged passes with Salah earlier than dinking an professional finish past Illan Meslier for his first aim considering that December 2020. Five mins later, Luke Ayling conceded a penalty with a foul on Mane and Salah drilled high into the net for his 2d of the night time.
Mane made no mistake from Jordan Henderson's bypass inside the eightieth minute and the Senegal superstar scored again from near-range in stoppage-time. Van Dijk's header capped Liverpool's biggest win this season. Leeds have misplaced seven of their past 10 league video games and are handiest 3 points above the relegation quarter.
