Liverpool's unbeaten season in the Premier League was ended in spectacular fashion as Ismaila Sarr's double moved Watford out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win at Vicarage Road.
The comprehensive scoreline helped the Hornets edge ahead of Bournemouth, who held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw, while West Ham also boosted their chances of survival with a 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday.
Liverpool remain 22 points clear and well on course for a first league title in 30 years.
But their hopes of doing so by matching Arsenal's invincible season in 2003/04 were ended by an inspired display by Watford.
“You have to accept it, it's not so easy, but it's the proof we were not good enough tonight,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after his team's 44-game run without defeat in the league came to a crashing end Sarr struck twice in six minutes early in the second half before the Senegalese turned provider for Troy Deeney to wrap up a famous win.
“Ismaila Sarr is an unbelievable player, unbelievable talent. He still has a lot to learn, and will continue to learn, but I think it's a full team performance,” said a proud Watford captain Deeney.
