Liverpool thump Leeds to close in on City

Liverpool haven't been this close to Manchester City since Christmas Day.

The gap is now down to three points in the Premier League title race -- which once was heavily in favour of City -- after Liverpool demolished Leeds United 6-0 at Anfield.

Mohamed Salah inflicted the early damage by scoring two goals from the penalty spot and playing a part in two more before Sadio Mane scored twice in the second half.

Liverpool have finally caught up to City in games -- they've both played 26 in the 38-game season -- and nearly on points.

With Liverpool still to visit City's Etihad Stadium on April 10, there's little to choose between the top two -- the past two winners of English football's biggest prize.

At one stage in the middle of January, City held a 13-point lead, though Liverpool always had games in hand and just needed to keep in sight of the defending champions.

On a run of six straight victories, Jurgen Klopp's team have done just that and are in prime shape heading into Sunday's League Cup final against Chelsea.

Salah's league-high goal total is up to 19 after being gifted two penalty chances by Leeds' frail defence -- which has conceded 16 goals in their past four games.

Stuart Dallas blocked Andrew Robertson's cross with his hand to give away the first spot kick that was dispatched by Salah in the 15th minute.

Salah slipped in Joel Matip, marauding forward from centre back, for the second on the hour and then converted a second penalty five minutes later after Luke Ayling tripped Mane, who was bearing down on goal.

Mane added two late goals while there was also time for Virgil van Dijk to head home a corner in the third minute of stoppage time.

Tottenham followed up their stunning win at City on Saturday with a 1-0