Liverpool’s unbeaten season in the Premier League was ended in spectacular fashion as Ismaila Sarr’s double moved Watford out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win at Vicarage Road.
The comprehensive score line helped the Hornets edge ahead of Bournemouth, who held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw, while West Ham also boosted their chances of survival with a 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday.
Liverpool remain 22 points clear and well on course for a first league title in 30 years.
But their hopes of doing so by matching Arsenal’s invincible season in 2003/04 were ended by an inspired display by Watford.
Sarr struck twice in six minutes early in the second half before the Senegalese turned provider for Troy Deeney to wrap up a famous win.
“Ismaila Sarr is an unbelievable player, unbelievable talent. He still has a lot to learn, and will continue to learn, but I think it’s a full team performance,” said a proud Watford captain Deeney.
Bournemouth were also victims of Liverpool’s collapse as they fall into the bottom three after failing to hold out for victory against Chelsea.
Philip Billing missed two big early chances for the Cherries and Eddie Howe’s men were punished as Marcos Alonso’s calm finish after Olivier Giroud hit the bar gave Chelsea a halftime lead.
Two goals in three minutes from Jefferson Lerma and Josh King turned the game around and inflicted another blow to Chelsea’s chances of holding onto their place in the top four.
Alonso’s predatory header after Aaron Ramsdale parried Pedro Rodriguez’s shot at least ensured the visitors left the Vitality Stadium with a point.
West Ham moved out of the bottom three with a first league win since New Year’s Day.
David Moyes handed Jarrod Bowen his first start since a £20 million move from Hull on deadline day in January and he made a huge impact with a fine finish to open the scoring.
The hosts’ lead did not last long as Michael Obafemi quickly leveled for Southampton.
But the Hammers responded well to that blow as Sebastien Haller restored their lead five minutes before halftime and Michail Antonio added a third early in the second half.
Newcastle remain without a goal in four games, but edged seven points clear of the drop zone with a 0-0 draw at home to Burnley.
Brighton remain the only side in England without a league win in 2020 as Jordan Ayew scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace at the Amex. –Supersport.com
