Liverpool extend Premier League lead after overcoming Brighton
CGTN
Liverpool players celebrate one of Virgil van Dijk's goals against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, 30 November, 2019./ PHOTO: Liverpool FC

Liverpool players celebrate one of Virgil van Dijk's goals against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, 30 November, 2019./ PHOTO: Liverpool FC

Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 11 points after clinching a 2-1 win over visiting Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Reds went into the match buoyed by news that defending champions Manchester City had been held to a draw by Newcastle United, the second time in three games that the Citizens dropped points.

Both Liverpool's goals were scored by Ballon d'Or contender Virgil Van Dijk in the first half.

The second half proved more challenging for the title-hopefuls as Brighton kept them on their toes throughout.

Goalkeeper Alisson was sent off in the 76th minute after he handled the ball outside his area, with the Seagulls scoring from the resulting freekick.

The Reds however held on to emerge victorious, bettering their chances of winning the Premier League title this season.

Elsewhere, Chelsea squandered a chance to move upwards in the PL table after falling at home 1-0 to fellow Londoners West Ham United. The Blues remain fourth on 26 points, three behind Leicester who are yet to play.

If the Foxes avoid a loss against Everton on Sunday, they will climb to second place and affirm their status as title contenders this season.

Tottenham on the other hand duplicated their last results after beating Bournemouth 3-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The win means new manager Jose Mourinho has won all his games as manager of the North Londoners.