Liverpool Treats Huddersfield Like a One-Foot Putt

The Premiership title chase is refreshingly dramatic this year, with one exception.

What were the schedulers thinking, putting Huddersfield Town in the middle of it?

The Terriers were an overwhelming relegation favorite last August, and they lived down to their expectations. So, to place them in a late-season fixture against a big-brand contender is nothing short of a buzzkill.

Of course, Liverpool didn't mind.

 

The Reds certainly did, putting five past the hapless Terriers to bag the easiest three points they've earned all season in their 5-0 beatdown.

Naby Keita scored once while both Sadio Mané, and Mohamed Salah scored twice each to fire the 'Pool back to the Premiership's pinnacle.

Until Sunday at least.

 

The Reds left no reason for doubt in this one. Just 15 seconds after the kick-off, Huddersfield played it backward to goalkeeper Jonas Lössl.

At least, that was the intent. Instead, a poor pass ended up with Salah, who fed Keita. The Guinea International took it from there:

 

In case you're wondering, no. It wasn't the fastest goal in Premiership history.

That honor goes to Southampton's Shane Long, at 7.69 seconds:

 

Yes, these feats are being timed in hundreths of a second, now. That allows more chances for more records to be made. Can't wait for some dude to check in at 7.68 seconds.

With nothing to lose -- they're already relegated -- the Terriers tried to high-press Liverpool's defense, who responded accordingly.

One of those moments came in the 22nd minute, as Virgil van Dijk drove forward and played to the feet of Andrew Robertson down the left wing. The Scotsman in turn crossed perfectly to Mané, who simply used his head:

 

While it looks unlikely right now, who knows if the Premiership title's gonna come down to goal difference? So the Reds kept pouring the coal to their attack and rang up a third on the stroke of the interval.

Trent Alexander-Arnold noticed Salah in full sprint and led him perfectly. The Egyptian showed class with his finish over Lössl, and the rout was officially on:

 

After the break, Liverpool continued with their high intensity approach, which led to their fourth in the 66th minute.

Jordan Henderson found Mané, who promptly nailed a header for his 20th league goal of the season:

 

The 'Pool's title battle is too close to offer up any lovely parting gifts, so they just scored one more for themselves.

Salah gathered in another perfect cross from Robertson in the 82nd minute and tapped in what golfers at all levels would consider a gimme:

 

The Reds are currently two points up on City -- 91 to 89 -- and now have two league matches to Manchester City's three:

The sneaky fixture could be the Citizens' trip to Brighton. The Seagulls are only four points clear of the drop with two to play. Desperation can be a mighty motivator.

Suffice to say, the intrigue continues.