Salah scores winner as Liverpool move top

Liverpool will finish the weekend top of the Premier League after Mohamed Salah fired the winner against Brighton at Anfield before Manchester City and Arsenal drew.

The Reds fell behind to Brighton early on but fought back to win 2-1 and climb above Arsenal – and their stay at the summit was extended when City and the Gunners played out a goalless draw in Sunday’s late kick-off.

Liverpool are on 67 points with nine rounds of matches remaining, while Arsenal – who have a superior goal difference – are second on 65 points, with City one point further back in third.

Earlier, Brighton striker Danny Welbeck stunned Jurgen Klopp’s side by thumping a strike into the top corner with only 87 seconds on the clock.

Liverpool responded strongly and began to dominate possession, with Luis Diaz poking home the equaliser from close range before the half-hour mark.

Salah, making his first league start since New Year’s Day, had missed a host of chances but eventually made one count when he coolly slotted in from Alexis Mac Allister’s pass in the 65th minute.

The hosts thought they had all but sealed the win when Diaz fired in after 73 minutes but his effort was ruled out by the video assistant referee for a tight offside.

Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk came closest to snatching a draw for the visitors, but saw two headers saved by home keeper Caoimhin Kelleher in quick succession.

Former Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana also fired wide just moments after coming on as a substitute late on.

Ultimately Salah’s strike proved the difference as relieved Reds fans greeted the final whistle with an exuberant celebration.