Liverpool capitalise on City slip-up to open up five-point lead

Reds move five points clear at the summit after rivals Manchester City are held at home by Crystal Palace

Jurgen Klopp's side secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah scoring the game's only goal in the second half

Liverpool have moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after rivals Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Crystal Palace. Jurgen Klopp's side made the most of City's slip-up by securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah scoring the game's only goal in the second half.

The result leaves Liverpool with a five-point lead over City with just six games of the season remaining. The Reds are now in a strong position to win their first Premier League title since 2020, while City's hopes of retaining their crown have been dented.

Liverpool's victory over Brighton was far from straightforward. The Seagulls defended resolutely and made life difficult for the Reds, who struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half. However, Liverpool eventually broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Salah latched onto a pass from Sadio Mane and fired home from close range.

Brighton continued to press for an equaliser, but Liverpool held firm to secure a vital three points. The win was even more impressive considering that Liverpool were without several key players, including Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Virgil van Dijk.

Meanwhile, City were held to a draw at home by a spirited Crystal Palace side. The visitors took the lead in the 33rd minute through Wilfried Zaha, but City equalised just before half-time through Aymeric Laporte.

City pushed for a winner in the second half, but Palace defended resolutely and held on for a point. The result was a major setback for City, who now have a mountain to climb in the title race.