LONDON, (Reuters) – Roberto Firmino of Liverpool and Mohamed Salah netted twice in scoring masterclass as the visitors trailed Crystal Palace 7-0 to record their first away win in the Premier League since September and temporarily move six points in clear at the top.
It marked the Reds’ first away win in the top flight by seven goals and was their biggest win in the league since they hammered Palace 9-0 at Anfield in 1989 when they won the former First Division title the highest flight.
The result put the defending champions at 31 points after 14 games ahead of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who welcome Leicester City today. Japan midfielder Takumi Minamino repaid Juergen Klopp’s decision to replace Mohamed Salah by scoring after just over two minutes and then Sadio Mane made it two as he spun and fired home from the edge the box in the 35th.
Firmino added a third just before the break, flicking home to finish Liverpool’s magnificent counter-attack which swept the length of the pitch, and Jordan Henderson added a fourth seven minutes into the second half as Palace fell apart.
Firmino had his second with a brilliant effort chipped in the 68th and Salah proceeded to net with a header before curling a shot into the top corner five minutes from time.
Henderson praised his side’s efforts in front of goal but, despite the dominating display and margin of victory, the midfielder said his side could still improve.
“I thought we were ruthless today and took our chances which is always important. We dominated the game for long periods but I still thought we were messy at times, ”he told BT Sport.
“Overall, the level of performance, we have to be happy. Now we have a week leading up to the next game. Then yet another hard test, ”he added ahead of a West Bromwich Albion visit.