Liverpool secured a precious 4-2 victory at home to Burnley on Sunday, with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane both hitting milestones in front of goal.
The Reds showed Man City that they are going nowhere in the title race, as they picked up a crucial three points under immense pressure.
Ashley Westwood’s contentious early goal straight from a corner was a disastrous start, but Firmino and Mane flipped the game on its head before half-time.
The pair each added another goal to their tally in the second half—Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s late strike was sandwiched in between—as Liverpool went back to within a point of City.
Here are five of the best stats from the game.
Firmino Brings up His Century
Firmino was one of Liverpool’s star performers against the Clarets, once again showing that when he plays well, so do the Reds.
The Brazilian’s brace at Anfield means he has now contributed 100 goals and assists combined in a Liverpool shirt in all competitions (63 goals, 37 assists).
That is more than any other player has managed during Jurgen Klopp‘s tenure.
Firmino is coming to the fore at a vital period in the season and his performances could hold the key between Liverpool winning the Premier League title and just falling short.
Half-Century for Mane
With Mohamed Salah struggling to find the back of the net of late, it has been crucial that both Mane and Firmino step up to deliver the goals.
On Sunday, both did so in emphatic fashion, and as with Firmino’s brace, a double for Mane was significant on an individual level.
The Senegalese has now scored 50 goals in 109 games for Liverpool, becoming the 56th player in the club’s history to record a half-century.
Mane has now also netted the joint-most non-penalty goals in the Premier League this season, equal with Sergio Aguero on 16, and is fifth in the race for the Golden Boot.
Aguero has 18 in total, with Salah, Harry Kane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all on 17 and Mane on 16.
Comeback Kings
One of the standout aspects of this Liverpool side is their mental resolve, in a season that has seen them accumulate 73 points from 30 matches.
Sunday’s comeback against Burnley means Klopp’s men have now picked up the joint-most points (13) from losing positions this season, along with Man United and Leicester.
The Burnley game was one that the Reds may struggled to have won in the past, with the pressure getting to them and a lack of belief on show.
If they do fall short in the title race, it will be nothing to do with a lack of fortitude.
Stunning Home Record
One of Klopp’s primary aims when he moved to Liverpool was to make Anfield a fortress again—a potent weapon in helping the Reds achieve success again.
The last couple of years have seen the German back up his claims emphatically, with the Reds now unbeaten at home in the league in 36 attempts.
That dates all the way back to a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in April 2017.
There have only been two longer unbeaten runs in the Premier League era: Man City‘s 37-match run between December 2010 and 2012, and Chelsea‘s remarkable 86-game stretch from March 2004 to October 2008.
Chelsea‘s run may be unbeatable, but City’s is now on the cusp of being overcome.
All-Time Record Equalled
With 30 matches played this season, Liverpool have acquired an incredible 73 points, yet find themselves cruelly behind City still.
To sum up the level of opponent they are up against currently, the Reds now have their joint-best ever tally at this stage of a season, yet aren’t top.
That other tally was achieved back in 1987/88—a season which saw Liverpool cruise to the title by nine points, with one of the best sides in the club’s history.
There may be criticism if Klopp’s side don’t seal the title in May, but it will feel harsh considering they would be cruising to glory in normal circumstances.
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