Liverpool opened up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought win at Norwich.
Second-placed Chelsea had lost on Saturday and the Reds capitalised, with Raheem Sterling arrowing in a long-range shot to put them ahead.
Luis Suarez guided in a second only for Gary Hooper to slot in for Norwich after keeper Simon Mignolet’s error.
Sterling scored with a deflected shot before a Robert Snodgrass header gave the Canaries hope but the Reds held on.
It was a frantic finish at a boisterous Carrow Road and the home side almost salvaged a point only for Mignolet to save a Ricky van Wolfswinkel header.
Liverpool were given a scare by Norwich but managed to secure an 11th successive league win, which confirms their place in next season’s Champions League, ahead of next Sunday’s home game against Chelsea, a visit to Crystal Palace and a meeting with Newcastle at Anfield.
Chelsea’s surprise defeat at home to Sunderland on Saturday had added to the expectancy surrounding the Reds at Carrow Road.
But following a storming start, they had to determinedly drag themselves over the line to earn a victory which brings closer a first title since 1990.
Norwich suffered a sixth defeat in eight outings, although they can take heart from a battling display. They are two points above the relegation zone with games at Manchester United and Chelsea to come before they play Arsenal at home.
BBC