Liverpool three points clear

LONDON (AP):

Promoted Cardiff were unable to pull off Mission Impossible.

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock said before his team's visit to Anfield that it was "virtually impossible" for any side to win there this season. So it proved yesterday when Liverpool's dynamic forwards produced another masterclass in front of goal to win 4-1 and move to the top of the English Premier League.

Sadio Mane led with two goals, and Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri also struck as unbeaten Liverpool went three points clear of second-place Manchester City who play Tottenham tomorrow at Wembley Stadium.

Liverpool are also five ahead of Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Chelsea visit Burnley today when Arsenal travel to London rivals Crystal Palace.

"It is unbelievable. Five or six clubs have such a big number of points," Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. "It makes it even more intense, good for the people."

Watford achieved their best start in a top-flight campaign after beating Huddersfield 3-0, while Leicester manager Claude Puel caused a surprise by dropping talismanic striker Jamie Vardy to the bench while the rest drew with West Ham 1-1 at home.

Bournemouth cruised past Fulham 3-0, and Glenn Murray's 100th goal for Brighton beat Wolverhampton 1-0. Southampton's game with Newcastle ended in a goalless draw at St. Mary's.

MANE DOUBLE

Salah, who scored his 50th Liverpool goal midweek, gave his team a 10th-minute lead against Cardiff. They didn't score again for nearly an hour when Mane raced on to a pass from Alberto Moreno to smash the ball into the top corner.

Callum Paterson pulled one back for the visitors, preventing Liverpool from a 10th successive league clean sheet at Anfield. But substitute Shaqiri made it 3-1 after more good work from Salah, who was also involved in the fourth, setting up Mane.

Manager Juergen Klopp praised Mane, who has featured in the last two games despite a broken left thumb.

"He plays with a brace," Klopp said. "I wouldn't feel comfortable with it, but he ignores it pretty well."

Other results: Watford 3 Huddersfield 0; Leicester 1 West Ham 1.