Rampant Liverpool take top spot, Arsenal held by Spurs

AFP: Liverpool swept to the top of the Premier League as Sadio Mane’s double inspired a 6-1 rout of Watford, while Tottenham rescued a 1-1 draw at north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

While Liverpool dazzled, their old rivals Manchester United ended a four-match winless run in the league as goals from Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic secured a much-needed 3-1 victory at Swansea.

Liverpool have emerged as genuine title contenders and Jurgen Klopp’s side moved one point clear of second placed Chelsea thanks to a scintillating goal spree at Anfield. Liverpool have won seven of their last eight league games and go into the international break with growing belief they can win the club’s first English league title since 1990.

“It’s better than being 10th, or whatever. It’s very important to collect the points for the final third of the season,” Klopp said of his team’s position.

Tottenham kept their hated neighbours from the Premier League summit. Arsenal took the lead in the 42nd minute when Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer headed a free-kick into his own net.

But England striker Kane, who had been sidelined for seven weeks due to ankle ligament damage, equalised for Tottenham from the penalty spot early in the 51st minute after a foul on Mousa Dembele by Laurent Koscielny.

The result prevented Arsenal from climbing above Chelsea and Manchester City and opening up a six-point gap over Tottenham, who remain fifth, three points below Arsene Wenger’s men and four points off first place.

After a difficult period for Pogba and Ibrahimovic, United’s star duo were back on song at the Liberty Stadium.

France midfielder Pogba put United ahead in the 15th minute with a sumptuous volley and Swedish striker Ibrahimovic bagged the second six minutes later with a shot that Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski might feel he should have saved.

Ibrahimovic followed his first league goal since September with another one in the 33rd minute as he lashed in from Wayne Rooney’s pass.

Swansea defender Mike van der Hoorn reduced the deficit in the 69th minute and there was late frustration for Ibrahimovic when he picked up a booking that rules him out of United’s next match against Arsenal.