Liverpool regain top spot with hard-fought win at Cardiff

Jurgen Klopp's men had to show patience as they struggled to break the deadlock against a determined Cardiff side, who now look in serious trouble in the relegation battle after failing to take the chances they created to cause an upset. 

The breakthrough was eventually made in the 57th minute as Georginio Wijnaldum emphatically thumped home a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner kick in a move that came straight from the training ground. The relief was clear to see in the visitors' celebrations after what had been a frustrating first half on a scorching hot afternoon in the Welsh capital. 

The last time Liverpool visited this stadium was during another close-fought title race in 2014 - one which they ultimately lost out on after finishing two points behind Manchester City. However, this year feels remarkably different - a fact that is reflected in the differences in scorelines from this visit to their last (a crazy encounter that finished 6-3 to the Reds). This season's Liverpool are a patient and composed winning-juggernaut, and this aforementioned patience was certainly needed as they dominated possession from the very start.

The first-half saw Liverpool create several good chances at a rocking Cardiff City Stadium - the best of which falling to Roberto Firmino after a flowing move involving the much-lauded front three, but the Brazilian blazed his effort over the bar as he raced through on goal. Salah and Mane also came close for the team from Merseyside, before the hosts themselves had a good chance to open the scoring when striker Oumar Niasse acrobatically drew a smart save off of Alisson in the Liverpool net.

Liverpool again started the second half on the front foot and looked sharper and more decisive in their passing after the restart. Cardiff's defensive resolve, led by generally impressive displays at the back from Bruno Ecuele Manga and Sean Morrison, was eventually broken just before the hour mark through Gini Wijnaldum - who scored just his second ever Premier League away goal at a perfect time for the visitors.

April 21, 2019

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson somehow blazed his strike over from all of 10 yards after good work from Mane down the left, before it was opposing captain Sean Morrison's turn to produce a truly shocking miss as he managed to dive under the ball, with the net gaping, and send his effort behind the goal with his back in what was a huge let off for the league leaders.

Things would then go from bad to worse for Morrison, as Cardiff's skipper clumsily brought down Mo Salah in the box after giving the ball away in a dangerous area of the pitch. There will be much debate about the award of the penalty, with it being difficult to argue that Salah wasn't looking for it, but there is no doubt that it was poor defending from Morrison - with his hands all over the Egyptian, he gave referee Martin Atkinson a decision to make. Milner duefully stepped up to convert from 12 yards to seal a hard-earned victory for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Liverpool will now turn their attentions to next weekend's clash against Huddersfield, whilst casting a keen eye over proceedings at Old Trafford on Wednesday as Manchester United host rivals Manchester City in a derby match with huge connotations at the top of the table.

Cardiff, meanwhile, look in deep relegation trouble after losing for the 19th straight time against a top-six Premier League side. They sit 3 points behind Brighton, having played a game more, and know they will have to beat Fulham away on Saturday to keep alive any hopes of Premier League survival.