Liverpool vs Burnley. Premier League.
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Report and highlights as Liverpool close gap to City at top of Premier League table
Sunday 10 March 2019 20:06, UK
Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane both scored twice as Liverpool recovered from conceding a controversial opener to beat Burnley 4-2 and close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to one point.
Burnley took the lead in the sixth minute when Ashley Westwood scored direct from a corner, with the ball flying over goalkeeper Alisson, who appeared to be impeded on the line.
Liverpool responded as Firmino scored from close range in the 19th minute and then Mane curled in with a fine first-time finish.
Blustery conditions made it difficult for both sides but Firmino's second goal in the 67th minute gave the hosts breathing space.
Johann Berg Gudmundsson set up a nervy finish when he struck in injury-time, but Mane replied to make sure of victory.
Aside from the final couple of minutes and the opening spell after Westwood's goal, Liverpool were largely in control as they closed the gap on City, who beat Watford on Saturday to move four points clear.
Both sides now have eight games left to play as they battle for the title, while Burnley are two points above the relegation zone after a third loss in a row.
Burnley took the lead in controversial circumstances as Westwood scored direct from a corner in the sixth minute.
Liverpool were furious the goal was allowed to stand as goalkeeper Alisson appeared to be impeded from getting near the ball by two Burnley players.
However, the home side responded in the 19th minute when Tom Heaton and James Tarkowski both missed Mohamed Salah's cross, giving Firmino a tap-in from a few yards out.
Mane then curled in with a fine first-time finish from inside the box to put Liverpool ahead.
With rain, sleet and wind making conditions difficult, there were no further chances before half-time and it remained closely-fought after the break.
However, Liverpool scored their third when Heaton's clearance went straight to Salah and, although he was well tackled by Charlie Taylor, the ball fell to Firmino to finish into an empty net.
Mane missed a glorious chance to make it 4-2 when he slid in and turned a cross onto the bar from a few yards out.
Burnley had hardly threatened in the second half, but Gudmundsson struck in injury-time to set up a nervy couple of minutes.
However, Liverpool hit back with a fourth goal as Daniel Sturridge played through Mane and he rounded Heaton and tapped in.
As he has been over the last couple of months, Mane was again the star man for Liverpool. He looked bright throughout and produced a fine curling finish to put Liverpool ahead. He then scored again in injury-time, making amends for a glaring miss, and has now scored 50 goals for Liverpool in all competitions in 109 appearances.
He is also the fifth Liverpool player to score in six consecutive home appearances in the Premier League, after Michael Owen, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez and Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool travel to Bayern Munich on Wednesday for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with the tie goalless. They then face Fulham next Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Burnley host Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday.