Liverpool thrash Bournemouth 3-0, regain EPL lead

Liverpool, Feb 10 (IANS) Liverpool FC regained the English Premier League (EPL) top spot by routing visiting Bournemouth 3-0 in a Matchday 26 contest here.

The result at Anfield stadium here on Saturday was a bounce-back effort for the Reds, who had settled for draws in their previous two English-league contests, reports Efe news.

Senegalese winger Sadio Mane and Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at halftime before Egyptian star Mohamed Salah netted an insurance goal just after the break.

Liverpool (65 points) had played to 1-1 draws against Leicester City and West Ham United in their previous two Premier League matches on January 30 and February 4, respectively, allowing defending champion Manchester City (62 points) to briefly take over the standings' lead on goal differential.

But now the Reds have their nose back in front and still have a game in hand on Manchester City, who will play their 27th match of the 38-game season in a showdown Sunday against Chelsea.

With the win, the Red Devils provisionally hold the fourth spot in the standings with 51 points, pending Sunday's clash pitting fifth-placed Chelsea (50 points) against Man City.

In other Premier League action Saturday, sixth-placed Arsenal (50 points) continued to give chase by earning a 2-1 away victory over last-placed Huddersfield Town.

Cardiff City topped host Southampton 2-1 to win their second straight Premier League game and move further away from the relegation zone.

Crystal Palace and West Ham United ended their contest Saturday tied at 1-1, while Watford scored a 1-0 victory over Everton, who lost their third straight Premier League game.