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Liverpool extend lead to 16 points after seeing off archrivals United

PAUL ELLIS / AFP / Getty

Mohamed Salah's late breakaway goal cemented Liverpool's three points over Manchester United on Sunday and continued a historic campaign from Jurgen Klopp's side.

The Merseyside club is now 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand after the 2-0 win over hated northwest rivals United. Liverpool are strutting toward their first English title in 30 years with their record currently standing at 21 wins and one draw across their 22 matches this season.

Liverpool were vastly superior in their dismissal of United, opening the scoring via a towering Virgil van Dijk header and constantly troubling their foes' backline with confident, flowing football. Salah wrapped up the victory after 93 minutes following an immense pass upfield by goalkeeper Alisson.

It could've been more. Roberto Firmino had an excellent, curling effort ruled out after VAR outlawed Van Dijk's aerial challenge with David De Gea in the buildup, and Georginio Wijnaldum strayed offside when he found the net after a beautiful passage of play by the Reds.

Many other chances went begging for the hosts, with some thwarted by the athleticism of De Gea between the sticks.

"It's a big relief, I was really happy with 85-90% of the game, we were brilliant. We dominated the game, especially in the first half. The energy they put on the pitch was incredible," Klopp told Sky Sports after the match.

"On a normal day, we would have scored three times in the first half and in the second half until 65 minutes we should have been more clear."

Liverpool's bid for the third unbeaten season in English top-flight history (Preston North End in 1888-89 and Arsenal in 2003-04) looks increasingly convincing as they begin preparations for Thursday's trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

United are five points adrift of the coveted top-four places and next face Burnley on Wednesday.

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