Liverpool get a routine win over Burnley to return to the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool failed to cruise against struggling Burnley but got the job done to displace Arsenal at the top of the log.
Vincent Konpany's side hosted the high-flying Reds at Turf Moore as they looked to build on the win against Fulham three days ago, but Liverpool proved a much tougher opponent as they side-stepped their hosts.
How it happened
Liverpool started like a house on fire and were rewarded with an early goal when Darwin Nunez fired brilliantly past James Trafford.
The goal in the sixth minute signalled a routing, and it seemed Liverpool were going to achieve a famous scoreline, but the hosts stayed resolute and kept the Reds at bay past the momentum of the early goal.
Liverpool enjoyed a lion's share of the first-half possession but failed to truly make Burnley pay.
The start of the second-half was business as usual for Jurgen Klopp's team, and they thought they made it two in the 56th minute off Harvey Elliot, but the goal was ruled off for offside following VAR intervention.
Burnley enjoyed a rich spell of possession in the half, in which they threatened to restore parity, but they lacked the efficiency in the final third to hurt the best defence in the league.
Liverpool retook the oars and dominated proceedings, and when the game looked headed for a 1-0 result, Diogo Jota stepped up to double the lead in second-half injury time.
The win put Liverpool on 42 points, and as a consequence, they returned to the top of the table, displacing Arsenal on 40 points, albeit having played a game more.
Related content
16:30 - 25.12.2023
FOOTBALL Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah's annual Christmas wishes sparks debate
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah's Christmas message sparks debate as he addresses Middle East conflic
13:55 - 25.12.2023
A season with heavy hearts - Mo Salah divides social media with annual Christmas photo
Mohamed Salah has used the Christmas season to address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
23:50 - 23.12.2023
Liverpool vs Arsenal: They are so strong — Jurgen Klopp raves about Gunners after 1-1 draw
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praises Arsenal after their draw at Anfield.
23:00 - 23.12.2023
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Unbelievable — Arteta tags Anfield clash one of the most intense in 20 years
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praises title rivals Liverpool after their draw at Anfield.
22:27 - 23.12.2023
Liverpool's Salah enters Premier League's top 10 goalscorers' list after Arsenal strike
Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah continues to break ground in the Premier League after becoming one of the league's greats with his goal against Arsenal
20:33 - 23.12.2023
Relegation-threatened Burnley use Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey's Fulham to shine
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were in action for Fulham who extended their winless streak against Burnley.
20:32 - 23.12.2023
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Salah outduels quiet Saka as PL top two share spoils in Anfield thriller
Arsenal will stay top of the Premier League on Christmas after a thrilling 1-1 draw with title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield.
10:27 - 23.12.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE: Liverpool vs Arsenal: Match preview, possible lineups, and team news
Arsenal faces Anfield curse as they clash with Liverpool in a top-of-the-table showdown
09:30 - 23.12.2023
How we can defeat Liverpool — Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta breaks down tactical plan
Mikel Arteta has revealed what Arsenal have to do to defeat Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.
22:00 - 22.12.2023
We need Anfield against Arsenal — Klopp begs fans
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has called for the crowd at Anfield for the clash agaisnt Arsenal to be as loud as ever.