Mohamed Salah has ripped off his Liverpool jersey at a freezing Anfield after completing a 2-0 victory over Manchester United in stoppage time, rousing fans on the Kop to sing: "We're gonna win the league."
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It's been a 30-year wait but there is no longer any trepidation from the Liverpool supporters as their team moved 16 points in front at the English Premier League summit on Sunday.
"Now you're gonna believe us," they chanted.
It took Salah getting on the end of goalkeeper Alisson's inspired long ball with the final whistle about to blow for the Liverpool title party to begin with four months of the season remaining.
Although Liverpool only held a slender lead heading into stoppage time - after Virgil van Dijk's 14th minute header from Trent Alexander-Arnold's corner - the ineffective United attack meant this victory never appeared in doubt.
Even with Liverpool unbeaten through 22 rounds and with a game in hand, the players aren't as bullish as their fans in declaring the title a done deal.
"I think everyone wants us to say something about it but we won't," Van Dijk said.
"In the squad we cannot, and we won't. It is one game at a time."
Liverpool could even afford to have two goals ruled out, including Roberto Firmino's curling strike due to Van Dijk's foul on United goalkeeper David de Gea in the buildup. Salah also scuffed a shot and captain Jordan Henderson hit the post.
"We dominated the game, especially in the first half. The energy they put on the pitch was incredible," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said.
"In the second half until 65 minutes we should have been more clear. Then we scored a wonderful goal at the end."
Liverpool are closing in on a 19th English title, one behind the record haul United built with 13 Premier League successes under Alex Ferguson.
But it is United's neighbours Manchester City that are the nearest but still distant challengers to Liverpool, 16 points behind in second place in their ailing title defence.
United are 30 points behind Liverpool in fifth place.
Earlier on Sunday, Burnley battled from behind at their home ground Turf Moor to beat Leicester City 2-1 and distance themselves from the drop zone.
Harvey Barnes completed a brilliant solo run and finish to put Leicester ahead after 33 minutes.
Burnley striker Chris Wood tapped into an open net to even up the scoreboard in the second half, while their goalkeeper Nick Pope was a hero on 68 minutes after he saved a penalty from Jamie Vardy.
Ashley Westwood then grabbed all three points for Burnley with a fierce 79th-minute strike to see them move five points clear of the relegation zone with a new league position of 14th.
Leicester remain third, 19 points off the leaders Liverpool.
Australian Associated Press
