Liverpool vs Huddersfield LIVE: Five-star Reds thrash Huddersfield to return to top
Relive all the action live from Anfield
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool's title destiny may still be out of their hands but they refuse to submit, with the 5-0 demolition of Huddersfield Town a reminder they are ready to pounce should Manchester City slip up.
The gap between top - the place occupied by Jurgen Klopp's side after this victory - and bottom could not have been more glaring as the visitors were outclassed at Anfield.
City, now two points behind with a game in hand, face a potentially tricky trip to Burnley knowing they cannot afford a mistake at this late stage of the campaign,
The relegated Terriers did themselves no favours after allowing Naby Keita to score after just 16 seconds, Liverpool's quickest Premier League goal and their 100th in all competitions this season. Relive all the action below:
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
3-0 flatters Liverpool, to be completely honest.
Indeed, until the second goal went in Huddersfield were by far the better side, and Jurgen Klopp's charges looked rather unsettled.
But it has been smooth sailing since Sadio Mane doubled the lead, and Mohamed Salah's added-time addition means there remains not even a semblance of doubt about the final result.
Liverpool will be back on top.
It would have been interesting to see how that half would have played out had Naby Keita not scored inside 15 seconds. That's Liverpool's fastest ever Premier League goal.
It was the most atrocious of starts for a Huddersfield side who otherwise showed excellent fight in the first 25 minutes.
And a chance to watch Liverpool's pre-match tribute to former captain Tommy Smith:
After a slight delay while Steve Mounie rejoins affairs, the second half gets underway.
46 minutes
The players were all shaking their limbs out to get warm as they waited for kick-off. It's a touch parky at Anfield.
48 minutes
Liverpool settle into their game quite well as the second half finds its legs.
Virgil Van Dijk fancies a stint in midfield, moving forward with the ball and showing little appetite to return to the back after he plays a pass. Naby Keita fills in momentarily, and Van Dijk trots back in disappointment as the ball is played away from him.
49 minutes
That's a chance.
Georginio Wijnaldum curls over the top and in the end it is rather betwixt and between Sadio Mane and Daniel Sturridge, approaching from opposite directions and getting in the way of each other, Mane eventually winning a battle of stares for the right to release an effort, which is too high.
50 minutes
A nervous gasp as Virgil Van Dijk takes a bang on the ankle and stays down.
And a cheer, an actual cheer, as he rises back to his feet again. He's just so important, particularly with the Champions League semi-final first leg to come this week.
51 minutes
Huddersfield nearly bumble their way to a goal!
Dejan Lovren knocks the ball against Juninho Bacuna after covering his run well and the ball looks to be spiralling into Karlan Grant's path, a hook at the ball inches from making contact.
And they come again, but Steve Mounie is not the man you want charging onto a through pass, leaden-footed as the Liverpool defence recovers the five yard advantage the striker had. Anyone quicker and it's a real opening.
54 minutes
Daniel Sturridge has the ball in the net but he's offside!
Trent Alexander-Arnold places a low cross brilliantly into Sturridge's path, but the striker has gone too early, and is flagged correctly, despite an incredulous point at his chest in disbelief that he has in fact been caught offside.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments