Liverpool takes on Watford at Anfield as they seek to climb to the top of the table premier league. Jurgen Klopp’s side has won their last nine league games to move within a point of leaders Manchester City, and victory here would send them above City, at least until Pep Guardiola’s side come up against Burnley at 3 p.m.
Trent Alexandre Arnold’s return to fitness has boosted Klopp after the right-back missed the international break with a hamstring injury. Still, the England international is starting on the bench, with Joe Gomez playing from the start of the game. “Physically, he should be fine,” Klopp said on Friday. “Now I have to decide the pace and that kind of stuff.”
The game represents a tough test for Roy Hodgson and Watford, but they need help to turn around with relegation entering its final weeks. With the two teams around 18th-placed Watford in the league – Everton above and Burnley below – meeting next week, the Hornets could find themselves on the wane if they fail to pick up any points today.
Liverpool 1 – 0 Watford
34 mins: Roberto Firmino’s cross into the box is controlled by Imran Louza. The ball reaches Thiago, but he cannot handle it properly under pressure from Moussa Sissoko. The ball bounces and hits the Watford captain’s arm. Liverpool appealed to handball, but the referee was not interested.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 1:03 p.m.
Liverpool 1 – 0 Watford
31 mins: The corner ball enters the Watford box, and Cucho Hernandez takes a hit and stays on the ground. The physios are there to take care of him, but he can continue playing.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 1:01 p.m.
Liverpool 1 – 0 Watford
28 mins: Liverpool moves up the left side of the field and plays the ball to Thiago Alcantara. He guides one-touch access into the box for Andy Robertson’s overlapping run, but Moussa Sissoko slips in and flips the ball behind for a Liverpool corner.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 1:00 p.m.
Liverpool 1 – 0 Watford
25 mins: It’s been over a year since Liverpool lost a Premier League match at Anfield, and they don’t look feasible to do so today. They are starting to control the ball more and minimize Watford’s counter-attacking play.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 12:59 p.m.
GOAL! Liverpool 1 – 0 Watford (Jota, 22′)
22 mins: Liverpool leads! Just as Watford made their best chance on goal via Joao Pedro, Liverpool swept the pitch and came alive. Jordan Henderson sends it wide to Joe Gomez on the right wing, and he inserts a lovely curling cross into the six-yard box. Diogo Jota makes a deep run, gets between the two center-backs, and meets the ball in the air. He wins the header and guides it into the back of the net.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 12:53 p.m.
Liverpool 0 – 0 Watford
21 mins: Imran Louza swings a junction into the box for Watford. Liverpool wins the initial ball, and it heads toward Mo Salah. He tries to control the ball, but Moussa Sissoko commits a high foot fault.
To safeguard! Liverpool wasted the free kick and lost residence. They give the ball to Joao Pedro, who sinks the ground and lunges to Juraj Kucka, who forces a nice save to Alisson.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 12:53 p.m.
Liverpool 0 – 0 Watford
18 mins: Liverpool passes the ball to Alisson, who Hernandez presses. Alisson clears the ball but is cut off by the Watford striker’s late challenge. He’s not happy with the tackle, but Hernandez had to go for the ball.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 12:50 p.m.
Liverpool 0 – 0 Watford
15 min: Liverpool intercepts the ball after a mini counter-attack from Watford. It’s played down to Mo Salah on the right wing, and he brings it back to the border of the box for Diogo Jota. Jota shoots for the first time but ultimately cheats him and carries his effort over the goal.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 12:47 p.m.
Liverpool 0 – 0 Watford
12 mins: Watford advance down the right wing, and Moussa Sissoko beats a corner after Andy Robertson blocks his cross.
The intersection is good. Cucho Hernandez drives past Robertson and sends the ball into the penalty area, but it’s directly at Alisson, who latches onto the ball.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 12:43 p.m.
Liverpool 0 – 0 Watford
Nine minutes: The ball is sent to Thiago Alcantara, who makes a blind pass to Curtis Jones on the half-volley. He cuts through Watford’s midfield and gives Jones the space to operate inside on the right. He imagines himself out of reach but misses his effort far from the near post.
Michael JonesApril 2, 2022 12:39 p.m.
Liverpool vs. Watford LIVE: Diogo Jota opens the scoring – latest Premier League score and goal updates
