Liverpool moved one point clear at the top of the Premier League table on Saturday as they earned a 3-1 win over Cardiff City at Anfield.
Two goals from Luis Suarez and a Raheem Sterling strike gave the home side a commanding 3-0 lead at half time.
Jordon Mutch pulled a goal back for the visitors during the second half, but they were unable to add to their tally.
Here Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the teams on Merseyside.
Match statistics:
Liverpool:
Shots 27
On target 7
Possession 69%
Corners 9
Fouls 11
Cardiff:
Shots 10
On target 3
Possession 31%
Corners 5
Fouls 13
Was the result fair?
While Cardiff put up a decent fight in the second half it was too little too late as Liverpool did all that they needed to do during a rampant opening 45 minutes. Credit must go to the visitors, but this was the home side's day.
Liverpool's performance
Brendan Rodgers's men were dominant in the first half as they cut open Cardiff with some incisive passing and clinical finishing. Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho all linked well in the final third, while there was plenty of composure and mettle in the back four. However, it was very much a flat display in the second half - something which is sure to play on the mind of the Liverpool manager. They were stifled in midfield by a rejuvenated Cardiff and struggled to deal with the physicality of the opposition when defending set pieces.
Cardiff's performance
If this is to be Malky Mackay's last game in charge of Cardiff then he is likely to be proud of what his side did at Anfield. The visitors made Liverpool work hard during the first half, but once the first goal went in they struggled to cope with the fluidity of the Merseysiders. That all changed in the second half though as they controlled large parts of the match and put Liverpool under increasing pressure, finishing the match with a well-deserved goal.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Luis Suarez: The Liverpool striker continued his fine season in style with two sensational goals to help the Reds climb to the top of the standings. No arguments here - he is the best player in the Premier League by a country mile.
Biggest gaffe
The visitors had a great chance to take the lead with just 15 minutes on the clock when Jordon Mutch rose highest from a Peter Whittingham corner. However, the midfielder could only head over from close range.
Referee performance
Lee Probert disrupted the flow of the game at times with some fairly petty decisions, but overall it was a competent display from the official.
What next?
Liverpool: The Reds continue their Premier League campaign on Boxing Day when they make the trip to title rivals Manchester City.
Cardiff: The Bluebirds are back in Premier League action on Boxing Day as they welcome Southampton to South Wales.
Jack Prescott
