Sadio Mane tucked in the rebound after Graziano Pelle’s strike had hit the woodwork and it was enough to give Ronald Koeman’s men seven wins in eight games in all competitions, the only blip coming at Tottenham earlier this month.

Gus Poyet’s Sunderland were unable to respond positively to the thrashing by Saints as Arsenal won 2-0 thanks to more calamitous defending.

Alexis Sanchez punished mistakes by Wes Brown and then goalkeeper Vito Mannone to give the Gunners just a third league win of the season and take Arsene Wenger’s men to fifth in the standings.

Mario Balotelli, retained in the starting XI by manager Brendan Rodgers, missed a late opportunity as Liverpool endured a frustrating goalless draw with Hull.

The Reds are sixth, while Hull, who extended their unbeaten run to three games, are ninth.

West Brom came from two goals down at half-time to draw 2-2 with Crystal Palace after Saido Berahino’s stoppage-time equaliser from the penalty spot.

Brede Hangeland and Mile Jedinak’s penalty put the Eagles in front, but Victor Anichebe pulled a goal back and visiting goalkeeper Julian Speroni went off with a head knock.

The delay to treat Speroni resulted in six minutes of stoppage time and Berahino converted from the spot after Anichebe had been fouled by Jedinak.