SELHURST PARK — Two goals each from Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah inspired leaders Liverpool to a commanding 7-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the early Premier League kickoff Saturday.
Liverpool Lead Table At Christmas Again!
The Reds lead the English Premier League standings by six points. Their ninth league win of the season moved them to 31 points, six more than second-place Tottenham on 25.
“I still think we were a bit sloppy at times! But we were ruthless in front of goal. Over the last few games, we’ve had some chances that we’ve not taken. I felt it was coming,” Jordan Henderson said, speaking to BT Sport.
Liverpool took the lead early when Takumi Minamino scored his first Premier League goal in the third minute.
Forward Sadio Mane then doubled the lead with a blistering 35th-minute strike before fellow striker Roberto Firmino netted the first of his two goals on the stroke of half-time.
Following the break, midfield captain Henderson made it 4-0 after 52 minutes with a wonderful first-time strike – something he had been seen practicing during the interval.
Firmino then completed his brace with a clever dink and then Salah netted twice in the late stages, including a breath-taking curler from 20 yards to cap the scoring.
With the win on Saturday, Liverpool are ensure top spot in the Premier League standings at Christmas for the third year in a row.
“It was hard work as well (as ruthless finishing). We had a lot of calm in the moments. They had their moments, 100 percent, but our finishing in the first half was really clinical,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport.
“I’m not thinking the game is finished at half-time. We had to stay concentrated. That was the challenge. We controlled the game and scored wonderful goals.
“It clicked today. The boys should be really proud.”
