Liverpool rise to second in English Premier League

Liverpool climbed to second in England’s Premier League on Saturday after coming from behind to beat Swansea City 2-1.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool won their fouorth game on the trot to go second in the Premier League.. Reuters/Craig Brough

Leroy Fer scored his fourth goal of the season to give the hosts the half-time lead at the Liberty Stadium.

But after the pause, the visitors heaped pressure on the home defence. Roberto Firminho levelled courtesy of a deft glancing header and James Milner secured Liverpool’s fourth successive victory by converting a penalty six minutes from time.

"We were not ready at the start of the game and it is my responsibility,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. “It was not good. Our build-up was too static. There was no movement and we lost a lot of balls. We got better but it was still not brilliant.”

Elsewhere in England, France international Dimitri Payet scored his first goal of the season as West Ham United drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough. It was same scoreline between Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion.

There was relief for the Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. After losses to Liverpool and Arsenal, Chelsea struck twice in the second-half at Hull City to take all three points.

Brazil international Willian hit the opener for the Londoners in the 61st minute and Diego Costa added the second six minutes later. The victory vindicated Conte’s decision to deploy a three man defence – a configuration the former Italy coach used during his title winning days at Juventus.

On Sunday, Manchester City will try to make it seven wins from seven games when they travel to north London to take on Tottenham Hotspur who will leapfrog Liverpool if they manage to become the first team this season to take Premier League points off Pep Guardiola’s men.