Liverpool kept their Premier League title hopes alive as two second-half goals by Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner sent the Reds back to the top of the Premier League at Cardiff City.

Liverpool’s ninth successive victory in all competitions was secured thanks to an upping of the tempo after a comparatively reserved opening 45 minutes in south Wales.

Wijnaldum’s controlled half-volley from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner shortly before the hour put the visitors in front in the 57th minute of the match.

Sean Morrison had a chance to equalise for the hosts when Alisson missed a cross, but the Cardiff captain was unable to guide the ball into the empty net.

The home side were made to rue that miss when Liverpool sealed their win with nine minutes remaining.

Henderson could have doubled the advantage almost immediately, but the skipper was leaning back as he shot from Mane’s unselfish pass inside and therefore cleared the bar.

A gilt-edged opportunity to equalise was then wasted by Morrison, who nodded wide from no more than three yards out after an in-swinging corner found its way past Alisson at the near post.

That miss was soon brought into sharper focus, too, when Cardiff’s captain – attempting to atone after Firmino had blocked his clearance – hauled Salah down in the box with 10 minutes left.

Milner did the rest: the vice-captain planting a firm spot-kick into the bottom-right corner with certainty to seal a vital three points.

The Reds go two points clear at the top with 88 points from 35 matches, having played a match more than second-placed Manchester City.

Cardiff remain in the bottom three, with 31 points from 35 matches played.