Title race heats as Liverpool topple Newcastle to keep pace with Man City

Liverpool have closed the gap on Manchester City with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp was forced to withdraw Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho because of suspected positive coronavirus test.

And the Reds went behind early when Jonjo Shelvey scored on a quick break.

Diogo Jota equalised after 21 minutes, taking advantage of Isaac Hayden going down in the six-yard box and tucking in the rebound from Martin Dubravka's initial save.

Mohamed Salah scored his 22nd goal to put Liverpool ahead, pouncing on another Dubravka round after an errant backpass from Shelvey.

The Egyptian has now equalled Jamie Vardy's record of scoring or assisting in 15 successive Premier League games.

Newcastle went close through Jacob Murphy and Shelvey, but the hosts eventually put the game to bed through Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The English right-back unleashed a world-class strike from 25 yards to seal all three points.

Newcastle remain 19th in the table, three points from safety, while Liverpool are now just one point with City.