Liverpool's next five Premier League fixtures compared to Man City and Arsenal after Newcastle United win
Liverpool moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League and five points clear of Manchester City after their 4-2 win over Newcastle United.
Mohamed Salah (2), Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo were on the scoresheet in a hustle-and-bustle clash between the two sides. However, it was far from smooth sailing for the Reds as Alexander Isak and Sven Botman were on target for the Magpies.
Salah signed off before his Africa Cup of Nations exploits with a brace, as well as a missed penalty, to get the calendar year off to the perfect start for the Reds.
AS IT HAPPENED: Liverpool vs Newcastle
Liverpool player ratings as Mohamed Salah excellent but one player better in Newcastle hammering
Arsenal squandered two opportunities to reclaim their place at the top, during the festive period, after suffering back-to-back London derby defeats against West Ham United and Fulham. Their New Year's Eve disappointment came after Marco Silva's side came from behind to win 2-1 after Bukayo Saka opened the scoring, but Raul Jimenez sparked the fightback before Bobby Decordova-Reid completed the comeback.
Aston Villa sit second after coming out on top in a dramatic win over Burnley. Douglas Luiz scored a stoppage-time penalty in their 3-2 win over the relegation-strugglers.
Manchester City also maintained their pursuit of hacking away at the points deficit with a comfortable win over Sheffield United. The Citizens will be buoyed by the imminent return of Kevin de Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland.
Now Liverpool have earned a three-point cushion at the top of the table, here is how the upcoming Premier League fixture lists of the Reds and their rivals look...
Liverpool next five fixtures
Position: 1st, 42 points, +23GD
Bournemouth
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
