Liverpool FC go to the top after a win against Watford FC

Liverpool vs Man City next Sunday is more than likely to decide the title winner of the Premier League season 2021/22

Liverpool FC won their home game against Watford FC to go 2 points clear at the top having played a game more than defending champions Manchester City FC.

Thanks to the goals from Diogo Jota and substitute Fabinho, Liverpool went to the top of the table for the first time since December.

But, it could be only for a few hours as Manchester City take on Burnley FC later that afternoon.

Playing XI:

Liverpool FC were without the services of their creative right back Trent Arnold and midfielder Naby Keita.

They lined up as follows:

Allison(GK), Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Virgil Van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Jordan Henderson(C), Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcantara, Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.

As for Watford,

Ben Forster(GK), Hassane Kamara, Samir, Christian Kabasele, Kiko Femenia, Imran Louza, Cucho Hernandez, Juraj Kucka, Moussa Sissoko, Ismalia Sarr and Joao Pedro

Post Match Analysis

The match started with Liverpool dominating the ball. Allison was hurried by Joao Pedro but, the striker ended up fouling the keeper.

It was an end to end game till the 22nd minute when Joe Gomez put in a delicious cross for Diogo Jota who beat Ben Forster to the ball and scored for Liverpool.

This was his 14th goal in the league, making him the second highest goal scorer behind teammate Mohammed Salah.

After the goal, Allison’ goal was hardly troubled throughout the match.

The only notable chance Watford had was when Cucho Hernandez found himself in front of goal. He should’ve brought Watford back on level terms but, he shot wide, wasting a glorious chance.

Diogo Jota had the chance of scoring another but, he was unable to time his jump as the ball went over the net.

After some actionless minutes, Diogo Jota was wrestled to the ground by Kucka.

VAR asked John Moss to view the pitchside monitor. On reviewing, John Moss awarded a penalty to Liverpool FC.

Fabinho stepped up and converted with ease to put Liverpool 2-0 up. A much needed goal for the Reds as it took them to the top of the table.

This just adds to the tension of the blockbuster clash between Manchester City and Liverpool FC at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Before that, Liverpool travel to Portugal to face a confident Benfica side in the quarter finals of Uefa Champions League on Tuesday.

Both Liverpool and Benfica overcame their Round of 16 opponents with an aggregate scoreline of 2-1 to qualify for the Quarter finals.

Winner of the tie meets Villarreal FC or FC Bayern Munich in the semi finals.