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By Simon Evans LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - There was no sign of past traumas affecting Liverpool as they dealt with the toughest challenge of their title run-in to beat Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday. Five years ago it was an April defeat at home to the West London side which prompted a late season collapse as Liverpool let the Premier League title, they have craved since 1990, slither out of their hands. A slip from Steven Gerrard and a goal from Demba Ba gave Chelsea the opening goal and became a part of footballing folklore -- as the visiting Chelsea fans could not resist reminding their opponents of in song, on Sunday. But while that annoyed the Kop, there was not the slightest hint of that recollection having any impact on the Liverpool players. There was, for a brief moment, a hint of deja-vu when Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson slipped on the half-way line in the second-half, but the Chelsea break was snuffed out by Liverpool's much improved defence. "We can finally … [Read more...] about No slip-up from Liverpool as Chelsea trauma is vanquished

By Alan Baldwin LONDON (Reuters) - Top scorer Mohamed Salah could find the oldest player in the Premier League standing in his way when free-flowing leaders Liverpool host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday. The visitors may have to draft in 39-year-old Argentine reserve goalkeeper Julian Speroni, who last appeared for them at the end of 2017, after injuries to those above him in the pecking order. Vicente Guaita picked up a calf injury in a home defeat to Watford last Saturday and media reports have indicated Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, the Spaniard's replacement, is also a fitness doubt. Speroni, who has been at the south London club for more than a decade and turns 40 in May, is manager Roy Hodgson's next in line. Just how much he or Hodgson, a former Liverpool manager, can do to deny the likes of Salah and Roberto Firmino at fortress Anfield remains to be seen. The Reds are on a 31-game unbeaten league home run and victory on Saturday will send Juergen Klopp's side, at … [Read more...] about Liverpool must be mindful of Palace peril in Anfield clash

By Simon EvansLIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - LIVERPOOL 5 ARSENAL 1gi Rampant Liverpool opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League after Roberto Firmino scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 crushing of Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.The visit of the fifth-placed Gunners was seen as a major test of Liverpool’s title credentials, coming during a busy period of fixtures including Thursday’s upcoming clash with champions Manchester City at the Etihad.But after suffering an early warning when Arsenal took the lead in the 11th minute, Klopp’s side displayed the very best of their high-paced, powerful, attacking football to register their ninth league win in a row.Liverpool are nine points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who lost 3-1 at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday while third-placed City, now 10 points behind the Reds, can close the gap if they beat Southampton away on Sunday.But the Merseysiders will be worrying little about results … [Read more...] about Firmino hat-trick fires Liverpool to easy win over Arsenal

By Christian RadnedgeLONDON (Reuters) - Even Manchester United's reliable last line of defence David de Gea has struggled for form this season but the Spanish keeper will need to be at his best in Sunday's clash with bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield.gi Last season's Premier League Golden Glove winner has not looked himself since some uncharacteristic mistakes undermined Spain's World Cup campaign and they went out in the last 16.De Gea's struggles have continued into this season as United sit sixth in the Premier League, 16 points behind the leaders. He had conceded 26 goals in 16 games whereas last season he let in only 28 in 37 appearances.The 28-year-old may not, therefore, be relishing Sunday's showdown with Liverpool's back-in-form forward Mohamed Salah, who scored a hat-trick last week in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth that sent Juergen Klopp's side to the top of the table and struck the vital winner against Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday.He has not been helped by manager … [Read more...] about United need old De Gea back for visit to Liverpool

(Reuters) - Everton will not be cowed into changing their style of play when they face local rivals Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, manager Marco Silva said on Friday.Silva's team have made an encouraging start to the season and are sixth in the league ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool, who are unbeaten in 13 league games and occupy second place in the table.gi Ahead of the match, Silva stressed the need for his team to stay true to their identity and show plenty of attacking intent."We will respect our opponents like we did against Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea," the Portuguese told a news conference."Fear is something that doesn't come inside our dressing room. Respect, yes, but we... won't change our ambition or style of play. It's important to enjoy the moment and be strong. We want to win and nothing more." Liverpool are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten run against Everton, going 17 matches in all competitions without defeat, but Silva said … [Read more...] about Everton do not fear Liverpool, says Silva before derby day