Another sensational, Luis Suarez-inspired display took Liverpool to the top of the Premier League after blowing Cardiff away in the first-half.
Premier League, Saturday 21st December 2013
Goals: Suarez 25, 45, Sterling 42 // Mutch 58.
Suarez scored twice – both superb strikes – and assisted the other to give Brendan Rodgers‘ side a comfortable lead at half-time.
Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson in particular were the attacking threats for Liverpool, who dominated the first-half in a similar fashion to their 5-0 thrashing at Tottenham last week.
The second half performance wasn’t on a par, and Liverpool again showed their achilles heel – conceding from a set-piece. Jordan Mutch was left completely unmarked to head in at the back post.
And Cardiff could have had a penalty when Martin Skrtel was lucky to get away with grappling from another set-piece.
But Liverpool had chances galore, Sterling and Suarez could both have added to their goals in the second half, while Glen Johnson missed a very good one-on-one chance in the first half.
The win takes Liverpool top of the table, where they will be on Christmas Day should Arsenal fail to beat Chelsea on Monday night. The Reds then face Man City on Boxing Day.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan (Kelly 55), Lucas, Allen, Henderson, Coutinho (Agger 83), Suarez, Sterling.
Subs: Jones, Toure, Alberto, Aspas, Moses.
Cardiff City: Marshall, Theophile-Catherine, Taylor, Medel (Campbell 55), Caulker, Turner, Odemwingie (Kim 55), Mutch, Gunnarsson (Cornelius 80), Whittingham, Noone.
Subs: Lewis; Hudson, Cowie, John.
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Key stat: Liverpool have scored 39 goals in 16 games this season; the last time they had as many was in the title-winning 1987-88 season.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has no new injury concerns ahead of their early kick-off against Cardiff, while Craig Bellamy is the only doubt for the visitors. Read full Liverpool v Cardiff preview.
Liverpool have received a huge boost ahead of the game after it was confirmed Luis Suarez has signed a new contract at Anfield, but it is a different picture for Cardiff, with reports suggesting manager Malky Mackay has rejected Vincent Tan's ultimatum to resign or be sacked.
Follow the minute-by-minute updates from around the country on our Live Centre and have Your Say.
Brendan Rodgers keeps the side which thrashed Tottenham last week for the visit of Cardiff City at Anfield today (12:45pm kick off).
Mamadou Sakho retains his place ahead of Daniel Agger, while the dynamic trio of Lucas, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson continue in midfield.
In today’s match Liverpool is facing the prospect of going top of the Premier League, overtaking Arsenal who host Chelsea on Monday night.
Luis Suarez, fresh from signing a new four and a half year contract, is looking to add to his 17 goals for the season – he captains the side again.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan, Lucas, Allen, Henderson, Coutinho, Suarez, Sterling.
Subs: Jones, Toure, Agger, Alberto, Aspas, Moses, Kelly.
Cardiff City: TBA
