Cardiff's 4 – 1 defeat in the hands of Liverpool at Anfield kept the side out of the bottom three after big losses for Fulham and Huddersfield and a goalless draw for Newcastle.
Sadio Mane's double helped unbeaten Liverpool go top of the Premier League table with a well-deserved 4-1 victory over Cardiff at Anfield.
The hosts dominated from the off, with Mohamed Salah giving them a ninth-minute lead with his fourth goal for Liverpool in his last three appearances in all competitions.
Cardiff survived a siege on their goal in the first half before taking the attack to Liverpool in the second, but Mane's 66th-minute strike seemingly ended any hope of a comeback for the visitors.
Late goals from substitute Xherdan Shaqiri (84) and Mane (87) sealed a win to send Liverpool – unbeaten in the league this season – top, until Manchester City face Tottenham on Monday Night Football at least.
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Moreno, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Lallana (Shaqiri, 61), Mane, Salah, Firmino (Milner, 71).
Subs not used: Mignolet, Gomez, Matip, Robertson, Sturridge.
Cardiff: Etheridge, Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett, Gunnarsson (Damour, 73), Camarasa, Murphy (K.Harris, 74), Reid (Zohore, 86), Hoilett, Paterson.
Subs not used: Smithies, Connolly, Cunningham, Madine.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
