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.
Manchester United vs Leicester
Leicester City have won three of their last four Premier League games, as many as in their previous 14 but they have lost five of their last six Premier League away games winning the other one.
Manchester United vs Leicester
Manchester United have won only three of their last 10 matches in all competitions. They are in danger of losing consecutive competitive fixtures for the first time since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final two matches as manager.
Manchester United vs Leicester
Bruno Fernandes has signed a contract extension with Manchester United and interim boss, Ralf Rangnick, congratulated the midfielder saying it’s very good news for the club.
"He’s one of our most important and one of our best players, obviously.” said Rangnick. “Signing a new contract in a a not-so-easy situation, as we are in right now, shows how attractive the club still is and that’s very good news for the fans, for the club, for everybody here involved in the club.
“I congratulated him for that new contract and both the two goals he scored in qualifying for the World Cup. That’s good news and I hope that both the signature on the new contract and the two goals will give him a boost for tomorrow [Saturday] and for the next games."
Manchester United vs Leicester
Ralf Rangnick explained Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the matchday squad saying: “Unfortunately he had some flu-like symptoms before training yesterday, he should and would have played, but he didn't feel well and couldn't train.
“The doctor checked on him at his house today but unfortunately he didn't feel any better so he can't play.”
Manchester United vs Leicester
The 3pm Premier League games are just about coming to an end and there’s some very interesting results knocking about. Manchester City have beaten Burnley 2-0 away from home so they move back to the top of the table.
The shock of the day goes to Brentford though who have turned over Chelsea 4-1 at Stamford Bridge. What a win that is for the Bees especially since Chelsea took the lead through Antonio Rudiger!
Wolves won 2-1 at home to Aston Villa while Brighton vs Norwich and Leeds vs Southampton both ended in draws.
Bruno Fernandes signs new Manchester United contract to continue ‘special relationship’
Bruno Fernandes has signed a new contract to extend his stay at Manchester United until the summer of 2026 with the option for a further year.
The midfielder made an instant impact upon his arrival at Old Trafford from Sporting in January 2020, and has scored 49 goals and contributed 39 assists in 117 games to date.
Although his form has come under more scrutiny of late, the 27-year-old is seen as a key part of United’s squad as they look to appoint a new permanent manager this summer.
Bruno Fernandes signs new Man United contract to continue ‘special relationship’
The midfielder has scored 49 goals and contributed 39 assists in 117 games to date
Manchester United vs Leicester
Manchester United have lost their last three meetings with Leicester in all competitions with the Foxes aiming to win consecutive away league games against Manchester United for the first time.
Manchester United vs Leicester
Brendan Rodgers speaking about Manchester United: "They have absolutely top class players who can change the course of a game. Our record has been good against them, but it counts for nothing.
"You need to be really focused in the game, and then hope your quality can come through."
Manchester United vs Leicester
Ralf Rangnick gave his thoughts on England fans booing Harry Maguire after his tough season with the Red Devils and whether he is expecting better support for the Manchester United captain at Old Trafford tonight.
"I think that this will happen. As far as I have met the experience with our great supporters, with our Red Army, I’m pretty sure that they will support not only Harry but the whole team as they did in the last two games against Tottenham and against Atletico.” said Rangnick.
“He has been an important player, Harry, both for England and for our club and that’s why I’m pretty convinced that this will happen."
Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out of Manchester United vs Leicester
Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of Manchester United’s match against Leicester City.
The Portuguese superstar displayed some of his best form since returning to Old Trafford with a hat-trick against Tottenham in his last match, but is unavailable this evening.
The 36-year-old’s absence will be a huge blow to Ralf Rangnick as the Red Devils look to keep pace with Arsenal in the hunt for a top four finish.
Cristiano Ronaldo out of Man United vs Leicester
The 36-year-old featured for Portugal over the international break but is now out of this evening’s Premier League match
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