Cardiff 0-2 Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner score to send Reds top of the Premier League

Cardiff 0-2 Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner score to send Reds top of the Premier League
Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League as they netted twice in the second-half to earn a 2-0 win at Cardiff.Georginio Wijnaldum struck in the 57th minute to ease Liverpool nerves before substitute James Milner slotted home a penalty with nine minutes remaining after Mohamed Salah had been fouled.5

Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates his opener

The victory – the sixth successive time Liverpool have won a Premier League game by scoring the winner in the second half – saw them reclaim top spot from Manchester City after the champions had beaten Tottenham on Saturday.Liverpool now hold a two-point advantage, but the lead could change hands again on Wednesday when City play their game in hand against Manchester United at Old Trafford. It was Liverpool’s ninth consecutive win in all competitions and gave them a new highest Premier League points tally, beating the 86 that Rafael Benitez’s side managed in the 2008-09 season.Cardiff had suffered a blow on Saturday when relegation rivals Brighton picked up a point from a goalless draw at WolvesThis result leaves them three points from safety and Brighton do have a game in hand.But Brighton have daunting fixtures against Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City and the committed nature of this performance will give Cardiff hope they can possibly win two of their final three games – they might have to in order to survive.5

The top of the Premier League table

Liverpool predictably set up camp in the Cardiff half early on and Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock must have feared the “battering” he had spoken about before the game.Neil Etheridge was forced to punch clear Naby Keita’s pass as Salah sensed an opportunity, but Cardiff were compact and dogged and saw out the first 20 minutes with little concern.Cardiff also carried a threat on the break as Nathaniel Mendez-Laing provided Trent Alexander-Arnold with one of the most difficult 45-minute periods of his season.Mendez-Laing had shown Alexander-Arnold one clean pair of heels before he burst to the byline.His cross found Junior Hoilett at the far post but the winger hesitated and Andy Robertson smothered the ball to safety.5

Liverpool struggled to break down Cardiff in the first-half

The first big chance arrived after 22 minutes when Sadio Mane slipped in Roberto Firmino, but the Brazilian cleared the crossbar with only Etheridge to beat.Etheridge distinguished himself when he stuck out a foot to stop Salah and Liverpool were indebted to their own goalkeeper just before half-time.Liverpool only partially cleared a corner and Victor Camarasa struck his effort into the ground.Oumar Niasse, on loan from Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals Everton, turned the ball goalwards but Alisson Becker reacted smartly to turn over.Cardiff had only operated at 20 per cent possession in the first half, but they also created the first chance of the second period.5

Salah is fouled by Sean Morrison

Mendez-Laing’s deep cross was just too high for Sean Morrison and the Cardiff captain directed his header onto the roof of the net.But Liverpool pressure began to grow and Mane and Alexander-Arnold were both just off-target before the breakthrough came.Alexander-Arnold had given his previous corners height and sent them deep, but this time he delivered it to the near post where Wijnaldum met it with the most perfect connection to give Etheridge no chance.Jordan Henderson should have doubled the lead, but Liverpool escaped when Morrison missed from a few yards out after Alisson had failed to collect a corner.5

Milner scores from the spot

Liverpool were disrupted further by losing Fabinho, who had replaced Keita, almost instantly following a clash of heads and Milner was sent on to prove what was a decisive role.The Reds got the breathing space they craved when Morrison had his hands all over Salah and the Egyptian fell to the ground.Salah seemed as if he wanted to take the kick and become the third Liverpool player to score 20 in consecutive Premier League seasons, emulating Robbie Fowler and Luis Suarez.But Milner took the ball and coolly dispatched the kick to take Liverpool top again.

---

Mario Balotelli submits evidence to the Football Association regarding an alleged racist and anti-Semitic image posted on his Instagram page. Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has reportedly
Transfer news, rumours LIVE: Man Utd, Arsenal, Barcelona

---

Manchester United news: What Jose Mourinho really said about

---

Chelsea vs Man United: What time is kick-off? The FA Cup fifth-round tie will take place on Monday, February 18 and kick-off at Stamford Bridge is set for the slightly unusual time of 7:30pm. Despite their recent woes, Chelsea have won their last five home games on the spin in all competitions.
News list for unusual kick-off time tv channel and live

---

Home / Tottenham vs Liverpool: Georginio Wijnaldum reveals lasting friendship with Champions League lasting friendship with Champions League final opponent.
Tottenham vs Liverpool: talkSPORT writers predict who will

---

Jaap Stam says it's 'easy' for David Moyes to say Manchester United have not progressed since his departure in 2014. Moyes was sacked in his first season in charge of the Red Devils and have gone through three managers in the five years since then.

---

Marcus Rashford's future was being discussed on talkSPORT when host Micky Gray stated his belief that the Manchester United star should consider heading to Italy. According to The Times, Juventus are said to be monitoring the 21-year-old after asking officials to check the player's background and character.
Manchester United news and transfers LIVE - Juventus 'make

---

Tottenham's form has been affected by the delays to the club's new stadium and their extended stay at Wembley this season, according to Gus Poyet. The former Spurs and Chelsea star joined the
'Tottenham's new stadium delays have affected the Spurs

---

In the space of a week Arsene Wenger has gone full circle when it comes to Konstantinos Mavropanos. When the Greek defender was announced as an Arsenal player, Wenger immediately stated that he was not ready to play and would be sent out on loan to Germany.

---

Antonio Rudiger has revealed he is not in talks with Chelsea over a new contract. The defender had been rumoured to be thrashing out a new deal with the Blues, but the German insists he is happy
Antonio Rudiger reveals he is NOT in talks over new Chelsea

---

Manchester City on alert as Rafael Benitez mulls move back to England. more exclusives, analysis and extras. I would like to receive news and stats from the Premier League,
Club ready to offer £85m-plus-player for double Chelsea

---

West Ham vs Arsenal: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and teams for Premier League match Kick-off at the London Stadium is at 12.30pm. live stream, kick-off time and team news . Gossip.
West Ham vs Arsenal: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time

---

Gomez is currently sidelined with a fracture to his lower left leg, but has been rewarded for his impressive performances over the past two seasons.
England defender Gomez signs new Liverpool deal

---

Online retailer notjust.shop is selling a Gareth Southgate Christmas jumper, which fans are going to love. The festive knit is made to look just like the England manager's now-famous waistcoat.
England fans can bring Christmas home with this festive

---

Arsenal have reportedly activated a clause in Nacho Monreal's contract to extend his deal at the Emirates until the end of the 2019/20 season. The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his
Arsenal transfer latest: Gunners set to activate clause to

---

Preview: Manchester United vs. Manchester City - prediction, team news, lineups. David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne continue to put opportunities on a plate for their teammates,
Manchester City vs Southampton: TV channel, live stream, team

---