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Members of the Black Players for Change gathered for a pregame statement as players stood in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Players from each of the league's teams gathered ahead of the opener of the MLS is Back tournament, which kicked off on Wednesday in Orlando with a clash between Florida rivals Orlando City and Inter Miami.

Wearing shirts with sayings such as "Black and Proud" and "Silence is Violence", players outlined the field ahead of kickoff while the two participating teams kneeled in the center circle.

Slowly, all involved raised their fists for a moment of silence, calling back to the famous protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympic games.

The moment of silence lasted for eight minutes and 48 seconds, symbolizing the amount of time police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on the neck of George Floyd, sparking nationwide and worldwide protests against racism and police brutality.

MLS is the first men's professional sports league to return in the U.S., following the NWSL's return in late June.

Players in the NWSL have been participating in similar protests during the national anthem, with many players kneeling in a callback to Colin Kaepernick's protests in 2016.

Black Players for Change founded in June in the aftermath of those protests, with more than 170 MLS players involved with the newly-formed organization.

MLS will be making several gestures and nods to the Black Lives Matter movement throughout the tournament, with Wednesday's display only the first of several planned initiatives.

Players will wear warm-up tops wearing anti-racist messages calling for social justice, while captains will don armbands with messaging nodding to the Black Lives Matter movement.

In addition, players will be permitted to wear a patch honoring a person of their choice featuring an inspirational message for every team's first match of the competition.

The league and the Black Players Change organization have also pledged to make a number of financial commitments to organizations fighting against racial inequality.

Wednesday was the first match of the MLS is Back tournament, a month-long competition held in Orlando. 

Teams will partake in three group stage matches before a knockout round, with the winner earning a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League and a cash prize.

Quique Setien is unworried about Real Madrid after Barcelona moved back within a point of their rivals with a 1-0 win over Espanyol on Wednesday.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the derby clash at Camp Nou before Luis Suarez scored the 56th-minute winner.

Barca have played one more game than rivals Madrid, who are a point clear at the top and host Deportivo Alaves on Friday.

But Setien is refusing to worry about Zinedine Zidane's side, with Madrid having four league games left to play.

"It is not our business. We have to worry about ourselves," the Barca head coach told Movistar. "What Madrid does we will see."

After Ansu Fati was sent off in the 50th minute, Pol Lozano saw red for Espanyol three minutes later.

Setien accepted his team were below their best three days after crushing Villarreal, with Suarez's goal boosting their title chances.

"We did not have a great match. They have made it difficult for us in defence," he said. "We have not found spaces nor have we had precision to handle ourselves."

Barcelona's busy run of fixtures continues with a clash against Real Valladolid on Saturday.

Suarez echoed his manager's comments post-match, stressing the Catalans must remain focus on themselves to ensure they are ready to pounce should Zidane's men slip up.

"What we have to do is win our next three games," Suarez said. "Whatever Madrid do is up to them.

"If the rival drops points then fantastic, we have to think about being there if they do."

On the Espanyol game, Suarez added: "We knew it was going to be difficult. We knew their situation. We have to be aware of the fact that we put in a great performance on Sunday and were still feeling the consequences of that physically. The important thing is to win and to get three more points.

"I think if I didn't score in the first half or Barcelona didn't create more chances, that's virtue of the rival, who were very well organised.

"I think they make it difficult for Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba to push up on the flanks. But eventually the chance came and I'm delighted to be able to take it." 

Jurgen Klopp is unsure over the severity of the injury Jordan Henderson sustained in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Brighton .

The Reds' captain scored his side's second goal on the south coast on Wednesday, curling a shot beyond goalkeeper Mat Ryan just 127 seconds after Mohamed Salah had put the champions in front early on.

However, Henderson was substituted in the 80th minute having seemingly hurt his knee in a challenge and Liverpool will have to wait to discover the full extent of the problem.

"I don't know [how serious it is], I don't know, honestly," Klopp said in his post-match press conference.

"I didn't see the situation back on the pitch, but I know that it will not be nothing, probably. That's how it is, but we have to wait. I cannot say more."

Asked if the England international was on crutches, the German said: "I have had press since the game is over, so I have no idea how he left the dressing room."

Klopp handed Neco Williams his first league start at left-back but opted to replace him at half-time, bringing on Andy Robertson in his place.

The Liverpool boss explained the decision was due to the teenager being shown a yellow card rather than an issue with his overall performance.

"I know football is like this. When we take a player off after 45 minutes and everyone thinks it's not good," he told Sky Sports .

"I don't care about this. He had a yellow card and the situation was we didn't protect him well enough on that side. 

"I can’t tell him not to make a challenge any more. That's the only reason [why he was taken off]. I liked a lot how he played."

Liverpool's 30th win in the Premier League this season lifts them to 92 points, just eight shy of Manchester City's record for the competition with four games remaining.

Klopp's side next face Burnley at Anfield on Saturday before backing up midweek with a trip to the Emirates to take on Arsenal. 

The Reds' final two league games will then see them host Chelsea before ending the season with a trip to Newcastle. 

Luis Suarez said Barcelona must be ready if La Liga leaders Real Madrid drop points as the title race nears its conclusion.

Two-time defending champions Barca kept their slim title hopes alive with a 1-0 victory over rivals Espanyol on Wednesday.

Suarez scored the only goal of the match in the 56th minute to relegate Espanyol midweek, while moving Barca to within a point of Madrid.

Madrid can restore their four-point advantage against Deportivo Alaves on Friday and while Barca only have three games remaining, star forward Suarez insisted the Catalan giants have to be ready to pounce on any slip-ups.

"What we have to do is win our next three games," Suarez, who moved third on Barca's list of all-time scorers, said afterwards. "Whatever Madrid do is up to them.

"If the rival drops points then fantastic, we have to think about being there if they do."

Barca were far from their best at Camp Nou, where substitute Ansu Fati was sent off after coming on at the start of the second half, while Espanyol's Pol Lozano was also dismissed.

But Barca managed to extend their unbeaten run to nine games following back-to-back triumphs.

Suarez added: "We knew it was going to be difficult. We knew their situation. We have to be aware of the fact that we put in a great performance on Sunday and were still feeling the consequences of that physically. The important thing is to win and to get three more points.

"I think if I didn't score in the first half or Barcelona didn't create more chances, that's virtue of the rival, who were very well organised.

"I think they make it difficult for Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba to push up on the flanks. But eventually the chance came and I'm delighted to be able to take it.

"I didn't see Ansu Fati's [red card] because there was a player in the way and the other one I didn't see either, there was another rival blocking my view.

"But in both cases VAR – which is there to help in these kind of situations – was able to help the referee to take the right decisions."

After his goalscoring display in the 4-1 rout of Villarreal on Sunday, Antoine Griezmann was handed another start alongside Suarez and Lionel Messi.

"It's the manager who takes the decision," Suarez said. "He wanted to find a formula, it's the formula he's trying at the moment. It's the first year of Antoine here so we know it's difficult – the adaptation period. The other day we could all enjoy a brilliant performance from Antoine Griezmann."

Espanyol knew anything but a derby victory at Camp Nou on Wednesday would relegate them to the second tier for the first time since 1994 but they were unable to preserve their top-flight status.

"I think today's match I'm proud of my team-mates, we had chances," Javi Lopez said. "If I'm here now it's to ask for forgiveness from our fans because we know these are tough moments for us but also for our fans. It's been a season in which nothing has gone right for us.

"I thank the fans but apologise again because it's the players' fault. We apologise again and tell them we are committed to coming back stronger and will fight for this club badge. That's all I've got to say – sorry to the fans, that's the minimum we can do.

"I think we all assume the responsibility in the changing room. We're most responsible for this. The players are out on the pitch and the ones who fault it is. These are really tough moments for all of us. We just have to be absolutely committed to come back stronger than ever before. I'm convinced that we will."

Montreal Impact midfielder Victor Wanyama has disclosed that he is not under any pressure ahead of Thursday’s Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture against New England Revolution.

The Harambee Stars skipper is in line to make his debut appearance in the American top-flight when Montreal Impact play their first competitive match since the suspension of football in the US and Canada due to coronavirus.

They are among the 25 teams participating in the MLS is Back Tournament which is a one-off competition to mark the league’s return to action from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ahead of Thursday’s outing in Florida, Wanyama who joined Thierry Henry’s side as a designated player from Tottenham Hotspur in March said he is going to the field to enjoy himself and help the team without any pressure.

“I’ve nothing to prove. I just want to try and help my team, try and give my best in every game I play and the rest we’ll see where we can be,” Wanyama was quoted as saying by the MLS website.

“I don’t have any pressure or anything. I just want to go out there and enjoy myself, play football, make sure I help my teammates and do my job.”

After several training sessions with his teammates at Montreal, the 29-year-old believes the team is quality and might require little time to adapt.

“I think we have a good young group, technically we have a lot of good players all over the pitch. It’s just a matter of time [before] we all click together and we can surprise many," the former Southampton midfielder said.

“With the quality we have and the plan the manager has for us, it’s just a matter of time that we master it very quick and then we shock many.”

Before the suspension of sports in Canada due to coronavirus, Wanyama made his Montreal Impact debut in their Concacaf Champions League loss to Olimpia on March 11.

He described the Covid-19 lockdown as a tough period for him and also described Henry’s presence in the backroom as a plus for the team.

“It was a really tough period for me, joining a new club and then everything just went wrong with the pandemic hitting the world,” he continued.

“It was a really tough period, but I had to look at the positive side which was staying safe.

“In football we cannot stop learning.

“We always learn and we have a young manager who had also a good career and is someone we can all learn from. That’s the advantage we have.”

Mohamed Salah joined a trio of Liverpool legends in a prestigious club as he played a starring role in a 3-1 win over Brighton.

The Egypt international scored twice as the Premier League champions recorded their first away triumph since February 15, moving on to 92 points with four games remaining.

Salah steered the visitors in front in the sixth minute and then assisted Jordan Henderson's goal that arrived just 127 seconds later, laying the ball off for the Liverpool captain to curl a shot beyond Mat Ryan.

Leandro Trossard halved the deficit before the break, but Salah made sure of victory when he headed in Andy Robertson's corner, taking his tally in the league this season to 19 goals.

He has also now reached 100 goal involvements for Liverpool in the Premier League, tallying 73 goals and 27 assists to achieve the feat in only 104 appearances.

In 2019-20 alone Salah has recorded nine assists in the top flight alongside his goals, behind only Trent Alexander-Arnold and Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne in the overall standings. 

"I don't know why but I think I have a good [assists] number since I came here," Salah told Sky Sports  after the final whistle on Wednesday. "In my position, I think I'm doing well."

Only three players have reached the milestone previously for the Reds. Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler achieved the century in 148 and 158 games respectively, while Steven Gerrard's landmark came up in his 212th outing.

Jurgen Klopp's side also created history at Brighton by winning for the 30th time in their 34th Premier League fixture this season. No other side has reached that tally as quickly in the history of the English Football League.

Next in the Reds' sights will be two records currently held by Pep Guardiola's City, and both set during their imperious 2017-18 campaign. 

While with 75 goals scored Liverpool are unlikely to challenge City's best-ever mark of 106 that same season, a strong end to the term could see them become the Premier League's best-ever in terms of points and wins. 

Three wins out from their last four outings would see Liverpool rise to 101 points and 33 wins for the season, beating their rivals' 100 and 32 achieved two years ago.

Burnley are the champions' next opponents, visiting Anfield on Saturday.

Mohamed Salah reached a 100 Premier League goal involvement for Liverpool against Brighton and Hove Albion to become the Red’s quickest player to that mark, reaching the milestone on the occasion of his 104th appearance.

The Egyptian contributed two goals and one assist as Jurgen Klopp’s men silenced Brighton and Hove Albion 3-1 at the Falmer Stadium.

In the keenly contested encounter, Salah handed the newly crowned English champions a sixth minute lead curling in a first-time strike with his left foot after Naby Keita set him up after robbing possession from Davy Propper.

He completed his brace in the 76th minute when his speed to the near post allowed him to meet Andy Robertson’s set-piece delivery, flicking the ball in. That effort was his 19th league goal so far as the Anfield giants moved 23 points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

That contribution ensured he has now been involved in 73 goals and 27 assists after 104 appearances in the English elite division, to accompany his accuracy in front of goal since he joined from AS Roma.

Aside from Salah, only three Liverpool players namely Steven Gerrard (212), Robbie Fowler (158) and Michael Owen(148) have achieved that feat

Salah joined Klopp’s men for £36.7 million ($45m) in the summer of 2017 on the back of two impressive seasons in Serie A, having been let go by Chelsea.

And that show of faith saw him help the Reds win the Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup, and Fifa World Club as well as claim a PFA Player of the Year award.

With Wednesday’s victory, they now boast of 92 points in 34 league appearances as they are aiming to break the Premier League record of most points in a season.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City holds that record after they accumulated 100 points two seasons ago. That Man City side also holds the record for the most wins in the campaign with 32, another record Klopp's side - currently on 30 - could break.

Liverpool host ninth-placed Burnley in their next outing on Saturday before traveling to the Emirates Stadium for their encounter with Arsenal four days later.

Mohamed Salah was grateful to "finally" receive an assist from defender Andy Robertson in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Brighton on Wednesday. 

The Egyptian attacker dominated the match at Falmer Stadium, opening the scoring after just six minutes, supplying the assist for Jordan Henderson's strike in the eighth minute and wrapping up the result with a 76th-minute header.

Salah's decisive strike came courtesy of a corner from Robertson and the attacker made light of the left-back finally setting him up for a goal after focusing on their link-up play in the build-up to the match. 

"We trained on that yesterday and two days ago - finally Robbo gave me an assist and I'm happy with that," Salah told Sky Sports. 

Like Robertson, Salah has contributed nine assists in the Premier League this season - the equal third-most in the competition behind Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

While Salah's 19 goals this campaign highlight his natural goalscoring ability, the 28-year-old was quick to point out that his assist record has also been impressive.

"I don't know why but I think I have a good number since I came here," Salah added. "In my position, I think I'm doing well."

Robertson's fellow full-back, Alexander-Arnold, stressed post-match that the Reds are always determined to provide quality service for their Egyptian star, who is looking to claim the Golden Boot for a third season running. 

"He [Salah] has his targets, he's around the Golden Boot and it's something he wants to retain," Alexander-Arnold told BBC Radio 5 Live. 

"He's a world-class player who scores so many goals for us and we try to get him on the board as much as possible."

Though Jurgen Klopp's side ultimately cruised to victory on Wednesday night, their right-back conceded the performance was far from their best.

"It wasn't a perfect game for us but we've shown when things get difficult we can bounce back. We came here to win, there are things in the performance we can pick up on," he said.

"We know they would want to play out and we wanted to win the ball back high up the pitch. We tried to force them into mistakes and we punished them early doors. Overall, we are happy with the win."

Semi Ajayi played a crucial defensive role in helping West Bromwich move to the top of the Championship table after their 2-0 victory against Derby County on Wednesday.

After sitting out Sunday's 4-2 win over Hull City, Ajayi returned to the Baggies' starting XI for his first time since June 26 to make his 39th appearance in the English second division this season.

The Nigeria international played from start to finish at the Hawthorns as goals from DR Congo-born Grady Diangana and Dara O'Shea in each half of the encounter sealed a vital win for Slaven Bilic’s men.

Egypt’s Ahmed Hegazi was suspended for the game after he was sent off against Hull City.

During the game, Ajayi won three aerial duels for the hosts, and he was able to make an interception and a clearance.

The 26-year-old is enjoying a fine debut campaign at the Hawthorns following his signing from League One outfit Rotherham United on a four-year deal last summer.

He is one of the regular fixtures in Bilic's team this season and aside from his defensive input, he has scored five goals in the Championship.

West Brom climbed to the top of the league table with 80 points from 42 matches, overtaking Leeds United who have a game in hand.

The Baggies are on course to earn promotion to the Premier League, two years after their relegation in the 2017-18 campaign.

Following Wednesday’s win, they will be looking to extend their three-game winning run when they visit Tosin Adarabioyo's Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

They are scheduled to play Fulham and Huddersfield Town in the coming days before concluding their 2019-20 campaign against QPR at home on July 22.

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden says Manchester United teenager Mason Greenwood is the best finisher he has ever seen.

The 18-year-old has played a vital role in the Red Devils' latest victories against Brighton and Bournemouth, scoring three goals and registering an assist over the two matches.

The attacker has netted 15 times in 41 appearances in all competitions this term, leading to him being tipped to become a club legend by team-mate Luke Shaw, while former United striker Andy Cole praised his "freakish" ability to find the net.

Even his side's city rivals are in awe of the England Under-21 international, as Foden has been thoroughly impressed by his prowess in the box.

"Mason Greenwood, the best I've seen finishing wise. He's both footed. In and around the box, he's always going to score," he told Premier League Uncut.

"High up finishing wise [compared to Sergio Aguero]. For his age, he's unbelievable. I don't know how he does it, to be honest.

"Just the right type of shot, you know what I mean. He knows when to finesse or lace it and he shoots quick, the keeper is never stable or set."

Greenwood is not the only player to earn Foden's praises, as he singled out Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi for his dribbling skills and his Blues team-mate Reece James.

"He's rapid. I've played with him before. He's a talented player and he's quick off the mark. He uses it well," he added. 

"Callum is very good at dribbling, to be honest. One vs ones, out wide in those areas, he's unbelievable.

"I like Reece James for physical. I think he's powerful. When I've seen him play he's done really well. He can defend and go forward, which I like to see. He's so strong."

The 20-year-old also praised Leicester midfielder James Maddison for his passing ability, saying: "Even the little passes in between the gaps, it's always with the right weight. He just kills the defence and breaks the lines, it just makes it easier for the people up front, they know they're going to be found.

"I've been really impressed with him."

Luis Suarez's second-half strike consigned Barcelona's rivals Espanyol to a 1-0 defeat and relegation from LaLiga in a match that saw two red cards.

Espanyol knew anything but a derby victory at Camp Nou on Wednesday would relegate them to the second tier for the first time since 1994.

They were given hope when substitute Ansu Fati was sent off five minutes after coming on at the start of the second half, only for the numbers to be swiftly evened up when Pol Lozano was also dismissed.

Suarez capped off a crazy six-minute passage by scoring the only goal as Barca moved a point behind leaders Real Madrid, who have a game in hand, in the title race.

In an all-or-nothing game for Espanyol, they were the better side in the first half, while Barca failed to have a single shot on target.

Adrian Embarba was the first to test Marc-Andre ter Stegen when he got in down the right, only for the German goalkeeper to thwart his effort with an outstretched right foot.

Espanyol continued to have joy on the counter attack and after Ter Stegen prevented a Clement Lenglet own goal, Didac Vila's effort hit the outside of the post just before half-time.

Quique Setien hoped Fati's half-time introduction would have an impact on his team and it certainly did, though not how he had imagined.

Five minutes after coming on the teenager was heading off again, a VAR review upgrading his caution to a red card as he was punished when a high right foot caught Fernando Calero.

However, Espanyol's one-man advantage lasted only three minutes, as Lozano joined Fati in being dismissed.

As was the case in Fati's instance, Lozano was initially awarded a yellow card that was changed to a red as replays showed he caught Gerard Pique on the shin when going over the top of the ball.

And it was Barcelona who adjusted better to going a man down as Suarez soon put them ahead, following up when Lionel Messi's effort was blocked after a brilliant Antoine Griezmann flick.

A vicious Messi volley was superbly saved by Diego Lopez and Espanyol could not muster an equaliser, let alone the two goals they needed, as their fate was sealed.

What does it mean? Espanyol go down with a fight

Espanyol have looked doomed for months, but they at least showed plenty of fight, even if it was a case of too little, too late.

It might be too late for Barca in the title race too with just three games to play, though Setien will at least be encouraged by Griezmann, Messi and Suarez's role in their goal ahead of the Champions League resumption next month.

Griezi on the eye again

A lovely goal at Villarreal last time out suggested Griezmann may finally be finding his feet at Camp Nou, and he had an instrumental role in the winner here too.

Though he will not be credited with either a goal or an assist, his vision to initially tee up Messi was fantastic.

Youthful naivety from Lozano

Fati deserves criticism for raising his foot way too high to prompt his red card, but Lozano had to be smarter when he was dismissed moments later in his first LaLiga start.

To rush into a challenge with Pique in midfield was ill-judged and Espanyol barely had any opportunity to make use of their one-man advantage as a result.

What's next?

Barcelona travel to Real Valladolid next on Saturday while their city rivals host Eibar the following day in their penultimate top-flight home game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping Manchester United can agree a new contract with Paul Pogba amid continued speculation over his long-term future.

The France international’s current deal expires next season with the club holding an option to extend it for a further year, and while the midfielder continues to be tipped with a move away from Old Trafford - with his agent Mino Raiola keen to engineer a move - Solskjaer is hopeful he will extend his stay.

“I can’t comment on discussions between players and the clubs but of course we want to keep the best players around the club,” Solskjaer replied when asked if Pogba would be getting a new contract.

“We want to build a squad for the future. Scott [McTominay] and Nemanja [Matic] are similar in position but they are at different stages in their careers. One is at the start, one really experienced, and then we also need players in that mid-range group.

"Hopefully we can do something. I know that since Paul came back he is looking better and better, he is enjoying his football and let’s see where it takes us.”

Solskjaer has repeatedly spoken about how this summer’s transfer window will not be business as usual, so should United decide to cash in on Pogba instead of offering him a new deal, there is an understanding they would not be able to demand the same level of fee they could in a pre-Covid window.

Leroy Sane’s €49 million (£44.7m/$55m) move to Bayern Munich has also set the tone for this summer’s window, and Solskjaer believes that transfer shows there has to be realism when the market opens.

“I think the whole world has changed both financially and the perception we have on values,” Solskjaer said. “Every time I put a case in front of Ed (Woodward) I think it’s a sensible and realistic one.

"I think I have proven that I have always got the club in the front of my mind, I want the best for the club. I don’t think short term and I don’t think personally this would fit me for a short period of time. I always think long term and try to be making good deals and I am always quite careful with money, personal money as well.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Jack Grealish does not have any added motivation to perform well against Manchester United despite being a summer transfer target for the club.

The Aston Villa playmaker is on United’s transfer list with Solskjaer keen to strengthen when the window opens again, and while the Norwegian would not confirm the club’s longstanding interest in the 24-year-old, he said Grealish should take the reports as a compliment.

“I don't think this is the place for me to discuss our priorities in the transfer market. We've been linked with many good players and every individual linked with Man United looks at it as a compliment,” Solskjaer said.

“There's no need for me to discuss where we're going try to strengthen.”

Grealish has been a standout performer for Dean Smith’s side this season and Solskjaer spoke about his threat ahead of United’s trip to Villa Park on Thursday night, but the Norwegian doesn’t believe the transfer speculation surrounding Grealish will act as further motivation for him to put on a good display.

“Every time that any player plays against Man United it’s a challenge. First of all because Man United is a good team, but also because the whole world is watching,” Solskjaer said when asked if he thought Grealish would treat the game as a trial.

“It’s not just playing before the Man United supporters or manager or team, it’s for himself. You want to prove to your family and yourself that you are a good player. I can’t answer any different than that.”

United go into Thursday’s game in good form on a 16 game unbeaten run having won their last three Premier League games.

Since the restart Solskjaer’s side have been given two penalties with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford taking one each. Should they be awarded a spot kick at Villa Park it will be down to the players to decide who takes it.

“It’s going to be a job that they share. It’s who feels very confident there and then. Bruno scored against Tottenham,” Solskjaer explained.

“I think Marcus would have taken the next one against Tottenham when we got the VAR call that it wasn’t a penalty and I am very confident in both of them, so they have got to make the decision out there. That’s just how we will leave it.”

Liverpool ended a five-game winless run on the road as Mohamed Salah scored twice in a 3-1 triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday. 

Salah and Jordan Henderson were on target inside the opening eight minutes as the Premier League champions quickly seized control on the south coast, albeit they were helped out by their opponents.

While a first away victory since a 1-0 success at Norwich City on February 15 was made trickier by Leandro Trossard's fine goal before break, Salah made sure of all three points when he headed in at a corner.

After going seven hours and 47 minutes without an away goal in all competitions, a barren run stretching back to Sadio Mane's winner at Carrow Road, Liverpool scored twice within 127 seconds.

Naby Keita was influential in both goals, setting up the opener as he robbed possession from Davy Propper to tee up Salah, who curled in a first-time finish with his left foot.

Brighton failed to heed the early warning as they were pressed into trouble again soon after, Keita springing the counter from a turnover. Roberto Firmino and Salah were also involved before Henderson ran onto the ball to send a shot across Mat Ryan and into the net.

To their credit, the hosts responded impressively following such a shocking start.

Alisson kept out Neal Maupay with a point-blank save but the Brazil goalkeeper was left helpless by Trossard's half-volleyed finish from a Tariq Lamptey cross, the sweetly timed strike halving the deficit.

Dan Burn then fluffed a glorious chance to equalise on the hour mark, scuffing his finish at the back post, and Salah made him pay.

The Egypt forward took his tally to 19 in the league this season when his run to the near post allowed him to meet Andy Robertson's set-piece delivery in the 76th minute, flicking the ball in as Liverpool moved 23 points clear of City.

What does it mean? Reds closing in on century

Liverpool, who became the fastest team to reach 30 wins in the history of the English Football League, are into the nervous nineties as they chase Manchester City's points record in the competition.

This was an improvement on the tepid display against Aston Villa on Sunday but there are tougher hurdles to clear if they want to hit a century, including a trip to Arsenal and a clash with Chelsea at Anfield. 

Positive signs for Keita 

Injuries and indifferent form have plagued Keita’s Liverpool career so far. However, after producing the assist for Mane's opener against Villa at the weekend, the midfielder again demonstrated how he can make a difference in attack. He created four chances during his 61 minutes on the pitch.

Seagulls picked off 

Credit to Graham Potter's side for trying to play out from the back, but their desire to do so proved costly. Propper had his pocket picked for the first, while Adam Webster overran the ball when in possession to leave a gap that Liverpool clinically exploited with Henderson's fine finish.

Key Opta facts

- Brighton have only won two of their 14 Premier League games in 2020 (D7 L5) - no other side has won fewer in the calendar year. 
- This was Liverpool's 13th away league win this season; the joint-most the Reds have ever won on the road in a league season in their history. 
- Liverpool were 2-0 ahead in the eighth minute of this match, the earliest they have taken a two-goal lead in a Premier League match since May 2011 against Fulham (seven minutes). 
- Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in eight goals in his six Premier League appearances against Brighton, scoring five and assisting three. 
- Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has scored more Premier League goals in 2019-20 (four) than in his previous three seasons combined before this (three). 

What's next? 

Liverpool return home to welcome Burnley to Merseyside on Saturday. Brighton are at home on the same day, taking on the dethroned champions City. 

Papiss Cisse’s brace has put the Turkish Super Lig title beyond Galatasaray’s reach after Alanyaspor defeated the defending champions 4-1 on Wednesday.

The defeat left Fatih Terim's men 14 points behind league leaders Istanbul Basaksehir with three matches remaining, while Alanyaspor moved to fifth with a point behind their visitors.

Cisse started the party at the Bahcesehir Okullari Stadium in the 43rd minute to put the hosts ahead and he doubled their lead just few minutes before the interval.

Still within the stoppage-time, Galatasaray were able to pull a goal back after Morocco's Younes Belhanda assisted Adem Buyuk to half the deficit.

In the closing minutes of the encounter, Alanyaspor stretched their goal margin with Anastasios Bakasetas making it 3-1 before Mustafa Pektemek who replaced Cisse in the 88th minute, sealed the victory in injury time.

DR Congo international Fabrice N'Sakala was also in action for Alanyasapor while Ivory Coast's Jean-Michael Seri featured for 90 minutes in Fatih Terim's team.

Since losing to Istanbul Basaksehir in their first outing after the Super Lig restart, Alanyaspor have maintained an impressive run of form by winning three and drawing two of their last five games.

Cisse, on his part, has been outstanding for Erol Bulut's side, scoring nine goals in their last five games with at least a goal in each game.

With 22 goals after 29 league appearances so far, the former Newcastle United striker is the leading top scorer in the Turkish top-flight this season.

He has matched his best goalscoring return in a league season, when he scored 22 goals in 32 Bundesliga matches for Freiburg in the 2010-11 campaign.

Cisse will be hoping to help Alanyaspor continue their unbeaten streak when they visit Antalyaspor for the Antalya city derby on Sunday while Galatasaray will be focused on turning around their seven-game winless run against bottom-placed Ankaragucu same day.

Manchester City became the first team in Premier League history to have five different players score at least 10 goals in a single season on Wednesday.

Riyad Mahrez moved to double figures for 2019-20 when he slotted home Kevin De Bruyne's cut-back to make it 2-0 against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.

De Bruyne himself has 11, as does Gabriel Jesus, who opened the scoring against Steve Bruce's side. City's top two scorers in the league this term are Raheem Sterling with 13 and Sergio Aguero on 16.

City are the first team in England's top flight to have at least five players reach the 10-goal mark since Everton in 1984-85.

Those goals from Jesus and Mahrez took Pep Guardiola's side to 83 in the league this season, nine more than newly-crowned champions Liverpool.

Despite breaking new ground in goalscoring, City found themselves 23 points behind Liverpool with five matches remaining after going down 1-0 at Southampton on Sunday - their ninth defeat of the season.

As well as being among the goals for the hosts, David Silva took his assist tally into double figures when he set up Jesus and Sterling for their strikes against the Magpies.

The Spain international has now made at least 10 assists in each of his 10 seasons with City, registering 121 in all competitions. He has now been involved in 150 Premier League goals, having made 91 assists and chipped in with 59 goals of his own in his 306 appearances.

No midfielder has been involved in more Premier League goals since Silva’s arrival, with ex-Tottenham star Christian Eriksen the second most productive in that timeframe having contributed to 113 goals before his move to Inter.

City’s dominance against Steve Bruce’s team was further evident in their passing statistics, as they recorded a rare pass completion rate of 93.7 percent, having made 787 successful passes out of a total of 840. That is the highest rate recorded in the English top-flight since Opta’s records began in 2003-04.

Salimata Simpore provided an assist and bagged a hat-trick as Dinamo-BSUPC zoomed into the Belarusian Women's Cup semi-finals after a 5-3 second leg triumph over Zorka-BSU on Wednesday.

The Burkina Faso striker is gradually establishing herself in Belarus since she joined Meleyew Yury's side during the winter this year.

The 33-year-old was on target in the 6-0 quarter-final first-leg victory at Dynama-Juni Stadium two weeks ago and went on to propel her side to an 11-3 aggregate triumph against Zorka.

Having held a huge 6-0 first-leg lead, Dinamo did not take too long to draw first blood through Hanna Pilipenko thanks to Viktoriya  Kazakevich's assist in the 10th minute at RTsOP-BGU stadium

However, Viktoriya Gerus struck to cancel Kazakevich's opener for the hosts' equaliser in the 27th minute but Simpore recovered the visitors' lead four minutes from half time.

Four minutes after the restart, Simpore teed up Kazakevich to open a two-goal lead for Dinamo before the Burkinabe forward grabbed her brace thanks to Kazakevich's assist in the 53rd minute.

In the 59th minute, Valeriya Bogdan rallied the team for a comeback as she pulled one back before Palina Girchits scored to reduce the deficit to one goal, seven minutes later for Zorka.

Red-hot Simpore hit her treble in the match in the 69th minute to bury the comeback hopes of the hosts and wrapped up an away victory for the visitors in the eight-goal thriller.

Simpore, who played from the start to finish in the second leg managed four goals against Zorka in the quarter-final doubleheader and has now scored 12 goals in 10 outings for Dinamo this season.

Cameroon's Dabda was also involved for the duration but South Africa's Bambanani Mbane remains on the sideline due to injury.

Having advanced, Dinamo will continue their pursuit to claim all the domestic titles this season, joining Neman, Bobruichanka and holders Minsk.

Alice Ogebe got off to a winning start as Sportis KKP Bydgoszcz defeated Medyk Konin 3-2 in Wednesday's all Polish Ekstraliga friendly.

The Nigeria international joined the Polish side from Spanish outfit Real Betis following the expiration of her one-year contract, scoring five goals in 10 matches for the Primera Iberdrola side. 

Having arrived in Poland on Saturday, she was unveiled on Monday after agreeing on a one-year deal and undergoing routine medicals.

Barely three days after her arrival, the 25-year-old was handed a starting role in the warm-up match as her side recorded a victory in a five-goal thriller against the Polish rivals at Sielska Stadium.

Karolina Majda opened the scoring for Sportis in the eighth minute but Klaudia Fabova levelled two minutes later for the visitors and Majda restored the lead of the hosts one minute from half time.

After the restart, the hosts did not rest on their oars as they extended their lead through Karolina Szamocka in the 70th minute but Olga Sirant pulled one back seven minutes from time.

The victory over Medyk Konin will offer Sportis a huge morale booster as they prepare for the new season which commences in August.

Following her winning debut for the Bydgoszcz-based outfit, Ogebe will be hoping to open her goal account when Pioyt Mazurkiewicz's team host IKKP Inowrocław on Saturday, July 12.

Former Asante Kotoko chief executive officer (CEO) George Amoakoh has joined city rivals King Faisal, the latter have announced.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member joins Alhaji Grunsah's side as executive chairman, a month after exiting the Porcupine Warriors set-up.

He left Kotoko following the constitution of a new board by club life patron Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

"We welcome our new Executive Chairman George Amoako to the club. He brings to bear a rich vein of experience in the game," Faisal announced on their official Facebook page.

"We are grateful for having him in our fold. It is our prayer that our union will yield many successes in the years that follow.

"Welcome King George!!!"

King Faisal made a return to the Premier League last season after some time in the lower division.

“It’s true, we have concluded talks and I will assume the role of the executive chairman of the club, running the day to day activities with Alhaji Grusah remaining the bankroller, founder and president of King Faisal," Amoakoh told Oyerepa FM.

He assumed duty as Kotoko CEO in August 2018.

"I've been in Asante Kotoko for several years in and out but this is my worst experience at Kotoko because if you serve the club, you have to leave amicably in peace with the club [which was not the case this time around]. That is why I was able to go and come [back to the club] seven times [in the past]," he told Wontumi Radio about his unceremonious sack from office last month.

He went ahead to tell Fox FM: “Enough is enough now for me with Kotoko. I will not return to the club in any official position even though I’m still a Kotoko faithful.

“It is true. Kotoko owes me salaries for five months. But I have not written officially to demand it as speculated by some media.”

Amoakoh's departure from Kotoko put him on the brink of losing his position on the GFA Executive Council as he is attached to the coveted unit as a representative of Premier League clubs.

King Faisal were rock-bottom of the league table when the championship was prematurely terminated last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.