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As it happenedended

Liverpool vs Cardiff City: Reds finish with a flurry to kill off Neil Warnock's men

Re-live all the action from Anfield

Kieran Jackson,Callum Rice-Coates
Friday 26 October 2018 09:29 EDT
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Neil Warnock 'one of the most experienced managers in the world' - Jurgen Klopp

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Liverpool moved back to the top of the Premier League as Neil Warnock's assessment of Cardiff's hopes at Anfield proved accurate.

Warnock delivered a startling admission that trying to get a result on Merseyside was "virtually impossible" on the eve of the fixture, and his Bluebirds side rarely looked like proving him wrong.

Sadio Mane's brace, plus Mohamed Salah's strike and substitute Xherdan Shaqiri's first goal for the club sealed a 4-1 victory which was enough to move Liverpool three points clear of Manchester City.

The only blemish for Liverpool came when Cardiff striker Callum Paterson scored a scrappy goal, dashing the Reds' hopes of extending their run of clean sheets in the top-flight at home to 10 matches.

Paterson's effort seemed to set up a grandstand finish but in truth Cardiff were comfortably second best, with only two attempts at goal, in stark contrast to 19 from Liverpool, who enjoyed 80 per cent possession.

Re-live the action below

One way traffic

Klopp will probably demand more urgency from his players in the second half, but it's difficult. Liverpool know Cardiff don't have much to trouble them defensively and the importance of victory outweighs the need to put on a show. As it stands, Liverpool will go top with a professional second half performance. 

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 15:54

Cardiff, meanwhile, will know where they need to improve after the break. This, from Opta, says a lot: 

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 15:57

Elsewhere

Here are the half time scores around the grounds in the Premier League:

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 15:58

Liverpool 1-0 Cardiff

46 minutes

We're back underway at Anfield. 

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 16:03

Liverpool 1-0 Cardiff

49 minutes

Signs of a bit more ambition from Cardiff in the early stages of the second half. No attempts on goal yet, but their intent is clear.

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 16:06

GOAL! Brighton 1-0 Wolves (Murray)

48 minutes

Brighton take the lead through Glenn Murray, who slots home from close range.

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 16:09

Liverpool 1-0 Cardiff

52 minutes

Promising for Cardiff. The ball is bundled into the net from a free kick, but the flag is up for offside.

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 16:10

Liverpool 1-0 Cardiff

55 minutes

To put Liverpool's domination of the ball into context:

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 16:12

Liverpool 1-0 Cardiff 

56 minutes

This is much, much better from the visitors, though. Quality is still lacking, but they're making Liverpool work now. The hosts look lethargic, and need to keep their concentration.

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 16:14

Liverpool 1-0 Cardiff

60 minutes

Alberto Moreno, flying down the left, attempts a cross and then appeals for a penalty. He claims Hoilett handled it, but the referee disagrees.

Callum Rice-Coates27 October 2018 16:18

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