EPL: Liverpool close in on title despite ‘criminal’ schedule

Liverpool have tightened their grip on the Premier League with a thumping win at second-place Leicester | WATCH

Liverpoo manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of his team’s win over Leicester. Picture: AP

Despite labelling the festive period scheduling as “criminal”, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team have thrived in the difficult conditions, dispatching their closest English Premier League rivals Leicester 4-0 at King Power Stadium early on Friday to extend their lead to 13-points and leave them in an imperious position to claim their first title in 29 years.

Despite ostensibly reaping the benefits of the fixture list, Klopp has blasted Premier League scheduling - although he admitted his team’s three-day break between games was “like a holiday” compared to some teams who played games two days apart.

“None of the managers have a problem playing on Boxing Day, but playing on the 26th and 28th is a crime. Absolutely not OK and we still have it,” Klopp said.

“This year we play 26th and 29th and it is like a holiday. I understand all those saying it should not happen. They are not moaning.”

“It would not be a problem to play 26th and 29th with more teams. There is no reason why more teams do not get more than 48 hours between a Premier League game.”

An outspoken critic of the Premier League scheduling since he became manager of Liverpool in 2015, Klopp has been particularly vocal in the past month, which has seen his team play 10 games in December across Qatar, England and Germany. With two games - the Football League Cup quarter-final in Birmingham and Club World Cup semi-final in Qatar - played on consecutive days.

In spite of the arduous schedule, Liverpool won eight of their nine games in December, their only loss coming against Aston Villa in the December 18 League Cup quarter-final were they fielded a second-string side with an average age of 19.

The exceptional vein of form has placed Liverpool as runaway leaders at the halfway mark of the Premier League season, placing them in a prime position to claim their first title since 1989-90.

Liverpool's James Milner, centre, celebrates with teammate Georginio Wijnaldum, left, and Jordan Henderson after scoring his side's second goal. Picture: AP

Elsewhere, new Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had to settle for a draw in his first match as his side were held 1-1 at Bournemouth.

Fourth-placed Chelsea lost 2-0 at home to Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur moved back into the top five with a 2-1 comeback win over Brighton and Manchester United crushed Newcastle 4-1.

“Today was a perfect day,” Ancelotti said.

“I’m happy because we need points to move up the table.” Arsenal needed an equaliser from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to earn a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, after Dan Gosling had given Bournemouth an early lead. “I am not happy we have not won the game but happy overall,” Arteta said. “In terms of attitude, desire and commitment it was better than I expected.” Chelsea’s inconsistent run continued as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Southampton, with goals from Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond putting the visitors one point behind Everton.

Frank Lampard’s side have now lost three of their past four home matches. Tottenham had Harry Kane and Dele Alli to thank as they scored in the second half after Adam Webster had given Brighton a first-half lead. The result lifted Spurs up to fifth, while Brighton are just two points above the bottom three.

Anthony Martial scored twice as Manchester United moved up to seventh with a convincing 4-1 win over Newcastle.

Watford moved off the bottom with a 1-1 draw at Sheffield United, while Norwich dropped to the foot of the table after a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa. Crystal Palace beat West Ham 2-1 in the day’s other match to go ninth, with Jordan Ayew scoring a stunning winner late on.

Additional reporting AAP