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Liverpool 3-2 Manchester City: Coutinho settles dramatic title showdown
Liverpool took a huge step towards their Premier League title dream with a 3-2 victory over Manchester City on an emotional day at Anfield.
Philippe Coutinho's late strike took Brendan Rodgers' side seven points clear of the visitors, who had hit back to level things up at 2-2 after falling two goals behind in the first half.
The hosts looked to be easing to a 10th consecutive Premier League triumph on Sunday after goals from Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel capped a dominant first-half showing.
With City having been robbed of the Yaya Toure's services in between those two strikes due to injury, Manuel Pellegrini's woes were mounting.
But David Silva turned the game on its head with a goal early in the second half before the Spaniard's effort was deflected in by a combination of Glen Johnson and Simon Mignolet to equalise.
However, there was time for one last twist in the tale - and one that could ultimately end Liverpool's 24-year wait to be crowned champions of England - as Coutinho pounced on Vincent Kompany's woeful clearance to fire in a dramatic 78th-minute winner.
Jordan Henderson's late dismissal mattered little in the context of the game as the result ensured that the destination of the top-flight crown now rests exclusively in Liverpool's hands.
Anfield fell silent before the game to remember the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough 25 years ago, with supporters of both clubs paying their respects.
Liverpool, unchanged from last Sunday's 2-1 win over West Ham, set a high tempo from the start and deservedly took the lead inside six minutes.
Luis Suarez split the City defence with a pass that picked out Sterling, who deceived Kompany - named in the starting line-up despite struggling with a knee injury - and Joe Hart with some excellent footwork before firing home Liverpool's 100th goal in all competitions this season.
Sterling then provided a superb right-wing delivery for Daniel Sturridge in the 14th minute but the England striker's close-range effort sailed wide of the far post.
City's hopes suffered another blow when Toure pulled up injured three minutes later, having appeared to twist his knee with an earlier off-target shot.
His replacement Javi Garcia was booked for his first tackle on Henderson as the visitors struggled to get to grips with the game.
Hart came to City's rescue with a stunning one-handed save to keep out Steven Gerrard's header, but the Liverpool captain's delivery from the subsequent corner was nodded in by Skrtel after 26 minutes.
A rare City attack saw Edin Dzeko denied by Gerrard's well-timed block before a rash Mamadou Sakho challenge sent the Bosnian tumbling in the box, only for referee Mark Clattenburg to wave away the visitors' half-hearted penalty appeals.
The home side survived a couple of late first-half scares as Mignolet produced a full-stretch save from Fernandinho's off-balance volley, the goalkeeper atoning for his error of judgement at a corner in the previous minute, which forced Sterling and Johnson to scramble off the line.
Silva did reduce the arrears 12 minutes after the break with a tap-in from substitute James Milner's cross and the Spaniard's delivery was almost turned in by Dzeko two minutes later as City cranked up the pressure.
And the leveller arrived just past the hour mark after Samir Nasri slid in Silva, whose shot across the face of goal took a deflection off Johnson and wrong-footed Mignolet.
But Liverpool had the final say, Coutinho curling home on the turn from inside the box after Kompany's limp attempt at a clearance.
Henderson was sent off in stoppage time for a wild challenge on Nasri but the title is now Liverpool's to lose.
Liverpool took a huge step towards their Premier League title dream with a 3-2 victory over Manchester City on an emotional day at Anfield.
Philippe Coutinho's late strike took Brendan Rodgers' side seven points clear of the visitors, who had hit back to level things up at 2-2 after falling two goals behind in the first half.
The hosts looked to be easing to a 10th consecutive Premier League triumph on Sunday after goals from Raheem Sterling and Martin Skrtel capped a dominant first-half showing.
With City having been robbed of the Yaya Toure's services in between those two strikes due to injury, Manuel Pellegrini's woes were mounting.
But David Silva turned the game on its head with a goal early in the second half before the Spaniard's effort was deflected in by a combination of Glen Johnson and Simon Mignolet to equalise.
However, there was time for one last twist in the tale - and one that could ultimately end Liverpool's 24-year wait to be crowned champions of England - as Coutinho pounced on Vincent Kompany's woeful clearance to fire in a dramatic 78th-minute winner.
Jordan Henderson's late dismissal mattered little in the context of the game as the result ensured that the destination of the top-flight crown now rests exclusively in Liverpool's hands.
Anfield fell silent before the game to remember the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their lives at Hillsborough 25 years ago, with supporters of both clubs paying their respects.
Liverpool, unchanged from last Sunday's 2-1 win over West Ham, set a high tempo from the start and deservedly took the lead inside six minutes.
Luis Suarez split the City defence with a pass that picked out Sterling, who deceived Kompany - named in the starting line-up despite struggling with a knee injury - and Joe Hart with some excellent footwork before firing home Liverpool's 100th goal in all competitions this season.
Sterling then provided a superb right-wing delivery for Daniel Sturridge in the 14th minute but the England striker's close-range effort sailed wide of the far post.
City's hopes suffered another blow when Toure pulled up injured three minutes later, having appeared to twist his knee with an earlier off-target shot.
His replacement Javi Garcia was booked for his first tackle on Henderson as the visitors struggled to get to grips with the game.
Hart came to City's rescue with a stunning one-handed save to keep out Steven Gerrard's header, but the Liverpool captain's delivery from the subsequent corner was nodded in by Skrtel after 26 minutes.
A rare City attack saw Edin Dzeko denied by Gerrard's well-timed block before a rash Mamadou Sakho challenge sent the Bosnian tumbling in the box, only for referee Mark Clattenburg to wave away the visitors' half-hearted penalty appeals.
The home side survived a couple of late first-half scares as Mignolet produced a full-stretch save from Fernandinho's off-balance volley, the goalkeeper atoning for his error of judgement at a corner in the previous minute, which forced Sterling and Johnson to scramble off the line.
Silva did reduce the arrears 12 minutes after the break with a tap-in from substitute James Milner's cross and the Spaniard's delivery was almost turned in by Dzeko two minutes later as City cranked up the pressure.
And the leveller arrived just past the hour mark after Samir Nasri slid in Silva, whose shot across the face of goal took a deflection off Johnson and wrong-footed Mignolet.
But Liverpool had the final say, Coutinho curling home on the turn from inside the box after Kompany's limp attempt at a clearance.
Henderson was sent off in stoppage time for a wild challenge on Nasri but the title is now Liverpool's to lose.
Getafe 0-2 Atletico Madrid: Rojiblancos title charge marred by Costa injury
Atletico Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe was marred by a serious looking injury to Diego Costa, as los Rojiblancos moved three points clear at the top of La Liga.
Talismanic striker Costa scored the second on Sunday to re-establish a three-point lead over city rivals Real at the summit, but paid the price for his bravery in sliding home from close range to wrap up the victory.
The 25-year-old - who has only just returned from a hamstring strain - collided with the post in the act of scoring, appearing to take a heavy blow to his leg, and was carried off on a stretcher in clear discomfort.
With the extent of the injury sure to be a concern for coach Diego Simeone at such a pivotal stage of the season, that setback took the gloss off a battling performance that had capped off a remarkable week.
The league leaders secured a Champions League semi-final berth on Wednesday by beating Barcelona and they avoided a European hangover when Diego Godin headed them into a first-half lead.
Costa's goal came after he had already missed from the penalty spot, with Angel Lafita's red card compounding a difficult game for Cosmin Contra's relegation-threatened Getafe side.
Following the victory against Gerardo Martino's Barca, Simeone had demanded full focus from his side - but despite that, Atletico seemed lacklustre in the early stages.Alexis almost put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute, only to head Pedro Leon's corner agonisingly wide.
That let-off seemed to jolt Atletico into action and on 28 minutes Godin spurned a glorious chance as he rose to meet Koke's right-wing free-kick but nodded the ball straight at Jordi Codina in the Getafe goal.However, he was not to be denied for a second time. The Uruguayan out-jumped Roberto Lago at the back post in the 40th minute, looping a powerful headed effort over Codina following Juanfran's lofted cross-field pass.
Getafe started the second half with renewed determination and they were almost rewarded with an equaliser, but the unmarked Juan Rodriguez could only head Leon's right-wing cross straight at Thibaut Courtois before the home side were the architects of their own downfall in the 64th minute.Lafita hauled down centre-back Miranda inside the area and was shown a straight red card, but Atletico could not capitalise as Costa saw his spot-kick saved by Codina.
The frustrated Costa finally doubled Atletico's lead in the 84th minute, as he tapped Adrian Lopez's pass in at the back post, but the Spain international suffered a nasty leg injury as he collided with the frame of the goal, with a gash visible just below his knee as he received treatment.
With several of his team-mates signalling to the bench, he was soon carried off on a stretcher, and Atletico played out the final few minutes with little more action of note.
Atletico Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe was marred by a serious looking injury to Diego Costa, as los Rojiblancos moved three points clear at the top of La Liga.
Talismanic striker Costa scored the second on Sunday to re-establish a three-point lead over city rivals Real at the summit, but paid the price for his bravery in sliding home from close range to wrap up the victory.
The 25-year-old - who has only just returned from a hamstring strain - collided with the post in the act of scoring, appearing to take a heavy blow to his leg, and was carried off on a stretcher in clear discomfort.
With the extent of the injury sure to be a concern for coach Diego Simeone at such a pivotal stage of the season, that setback took the gloss off a battling performance that had capped off a remarkable week.
The league leaders secured a Champions League semi-final berth on Wednesday by beating Barcelona and they avoided a European hangover when Diego Godin headed them into a first-half lead.
Costa's goal came after he had already missed from the penalty spot, with Angel Lafita's red card compounding a difficult game for Cosmin Contra's relegation-threatened Getafe side.
Following the victory against Gerardo Martino's Barca, Simeone had demanded full focus from his side - but despite that, Atletico seemed lacklustre in the early stages.Alexis almost put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute, only to head Pedro Leon's corner agonisingly wide.
That let-off seemed to jolt Atletico into action and on 28 minutes Godin spurned a glorious chance as he rose to meet Koke's right-wing free-kick but nodded the ball straight at Jordi Codina in the Getafe goal.However, he was not to be denied for a second time. The Uruguayan out-jumped Roberto Lago at the back post in the 40th minute, looping a powerful headed effort over Codina following Juanfran's lofted cross-field pass.
Getafe started the second half with renewed determination and they were almost rewarded with an equaliser, but the unmarked Juan Rodriguez could only head Leon's right-wing cross straight at Thibaut Courtois before the home side were the architects of their own downfall in the 64th minute.Lafita hauled down centre-back Miranda inside the area and was shown a straight red card, but Atletico could not capitalise as Costa saw his spot-kick saved by Codina.
The frustrated Costa finally doubled Atletico's lead in the 84th minute, as he tapped Adrian Lopez's pass in at the back post, but the Spain international suffered a nasty leg injury as he collided with the frame of the goal, with a gash visible just below his knee as he received treatment.
With several of his team-mates signalling to the bench, he was soon carried off on a stretcher, and Atletico played out the final few minutes with little more action of note.
Diego Costa carried off during Atletico Madrid clash
Atletico Madrid were given an injury scare during their 2-0 La Liga win over Getafe on Sunday as Diego Costa was stretchered off with a knee problem after 85 minutes of play.
The Spain international sustained the knock after colliding with the post immediately after scoring Atletico's second goal of the evening.
The 25-year-old left the pitch with a sizeable gash on his knee and was visibly in pain as he made way for Cristian Rodriguez, but the Vicente Calderon side were quick to downplay the significance of the injury.
"Fortunately, Diego Costa only has a wound after crashing into the upright," Atletico stated via Twitter.
"Costa is fine, he is happy. He has a cut, but it's not a big deal," added head coach Diego Simeone.
Costa had previously won a penalty after he was fouled inside the area by Angel Lafita, but failed to find the net from 12 yards.
The prolific attacker made up for his mistake later in the game with his 26th league goal of the season, only to then be stretchered off.
Atletico returned to the summit of the Primera Division table following Sunday's away win.
Swansea City 0-1 Chelsea: Ba delivers again as Blues keep pace with Liverpool
Demba Ba came to his side's rescue for the second time in a week as Chelsea beat 10-man Swansea City 1-0 on Sunday.
Having scored the goal that sent Jose Mourinho's side into the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, the Senegal international - linked with an exit from the club at the end of the season by one Sunday newspaper - pulled the Londoners to within two points of leaders Liverpool with a 68th-minute strike.
With Liverpool having claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester City at Anfield earlier in the day, Mourinho's men needed a win to keep in touch at the top of the Premier League.
Their cause was helped when Swansea's Chico Flores was sent off in the 16th minute after receiving two bookings in quick succession, but chances were few and far between thereafter.
However, Chelsea finally found the net through Ba midway through the second half, as he gave the visitors their first win at the Liberty Stadium and left Swansea just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Ba was rewarded for his midweek heroics as a substitute with a place in Mourinho’s starting XI, while Michu dropped out of the Swansea squad with soreness in the ankle that kept him sidelined for three months earlier in the season.
His replacement, Pablo Hernandez, was first to produce a shot at goal – forcing Petr Cech into a diving save with a low drive from 20 yards in the fourth minute.
Mohamed Salah should have put Chelsea in front two minutes later, but the Egyptian side-footed wide of the left-hand post after good work by Branislav Ivanovic down the right.
Swansea looked bright in attack and Wilfried Bony had Cech at full stretch with a superb header 14 minutes in.
The home side were dealt a huge blow when centre-back Chico received two yellow cards in the space of two minutes – the Spaniard dismissed for the second time in just over a month after his sending off against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea began to enjoy the better of the possession having gained a numerical advantage, but with the hosts sacrificing attacker Hernandez to bring on defender Jordi Amat, the Swansea back four continued to hold firm.
Nathan Dyer stung the palms of Cech shortly before the break, but head coach Garry Monk will have simply been relieved to reach half-time all square.
Chances were at a premium in the early stages of the second half, but Ba glanced a header across the face of goal in the 55th minute from a dangerous Ivanovic cross, before Samuel Eto'o skewed an effort wide from close range.
Wayne Routledge's shot then appeared to deflect behind off the arm of John Terry, though the incident was met with few calls for a penalty, before Ba dealt Swansea a crucial blow.
Nemanja Matic drove ball into the path of Ba, who rounded Ashley Williams and sent the ball beyond goalkeeper Michel Vorm, who may feel he could have done better with a shot that squirmed under his body.
Chelsea continued to push in the closing stages and a moment of madness from Vorm almost gifted them a second late on when he ran out of his area to challenge Eto'o - but the striker's shot was blocked.
Demba Ba came to his side's rescue for the second time in a week as Chelsea beat 10-man Swansea City 1-0 on Sunday.
Having scored the goal that sent Jose Mourinho's side into the Champions League semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, the Senegal international - linked with an exit from the club at the end of the season by one Sunday newspaper - pulled the Londoners to within two points of leaders Liverpool with a 68th-minute strike.
With Liverpool having claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Manchester City at Anfield earlier in the day, Mourinho's men needed a win to keep in touch at the top of the Premier League.
Their cause was helped when Swansea's Chico Flores was sent off in the 16th minute after receiving two bookings in quick succession, but chances were few and far between thereafter.
However, Chelsea finally found the net through Ba midway through the second half, as he gave the visitors their first win at the Liberty Stadium and left Swansea just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Ba was rewarded for his midweek heroics as a substitute with a place in Mourinho’s starting XI, while Michu dropped out of the Swansea squad with soreness in the ankle that kept him sidelined for three months earlier in the season.
His replacement, Pablo Hernandez, was first to produce a shot at goal – forcing Petr Cech into a diving save with a low drive from 20 yards in the fourth minute.
Mohamed Salah should have put Chelsea in front two minutes later, but the Egyptian side-footed wide of the left-hand post after good work by Branislav Ivanovic down the right.
Swansea looked bright in attack and Wilfried Bony had Cech at full stretch with a superb header 14 minutes in.
The home side were dealt a huge blow when centre-back Chico received two yellow cards in the space of two minutes – the Spaniard dismissed for the second time in just over a month after his sending off against Crystal Palace.
Chelsea began to enjoy the better of the possession having gained a numerical advantage, but with the hosts sacrificing attacker Hernandez to bring on defender Jordi Amat, the Swansea back four continued to hold firm.
Nathan Dyer stung the palms of Cech shortly before the break, but head coach Garry Monk will have simply been relieved to reach half-time all square.
Chances were at a premium in the early stages of the second half, but Ba glanced a header across the face of goal in the 55th minute from a dangerous Ivanovic cross, before Samuel Eto'o skewed an effort wide from close range.
Wayne Routledge's shot then appeared to deflect behind off the arm of John Terry, though the incident was met with few calls for a penalty, before Ba dealt Swansea a crucial blow.
Nemanja Matic drove ball into the path of Ba, who rounded Ashley Williams and sent the ball beyond goalkeeper Michel Vorm, who may feel he could have done better with a shot that squirmed under his body.
Chelsea continued to push in the closing stages and a moment of madness from Vorm almost gifted them a second late on when he ran out of his area to challenge Eto'o - but the striker's shot was blocked.
Hull City 5-3 Sheffield United: Tigers hold on to set-up final date with Arsenal
Hull City reached the FA Cup final for the first time in their history, twice coming from behind to beat Sheffield United 5-3 at Wembley.
In their first semi-final in the competition since 1930, Steve Bruce's men recovered from a timid start to score three goals in 18 second-half minutes and book a final clash with Arsenal on May 17.
Jose Baxter, an unused substitute for Everton in the 2009 final, put United in front but Yannick Sagbo - selected as Hull's lone striker in the absence of the cup-tied Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long - equalised shortly before the break.
Nigel Clough's men responded immediately, taking a 2-1 lead into half-time when Stefan Scougall converted Jamie Murphy's cutback.
Hull were dominant after the interval, though, former Sheffield Wednesday loanee and half-time substitute Matty Fryatt levelling the scores once more before Tom Huddlestone finished off a fine move with a composed finish.
Former United player Stephen Quinn - another inspired Bruce substitution - headed a fourth, and while Murphy pulled one back, David Meyler put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time to end the underdogs' remarkable run.
After a cagey opening United took the lead in the 19th minute, Baxter getting on the end of John Brayford's right-wing cross to poke the ball home from six yards, although the final touch appeared to come off Hull defender James Chester.
Baxter, who was born in Liverpool, wheeled away in celebration, kissing his black armband commemorating the Hillsborough disaster.
Scougall fired high and wide from the edge of the area five minutes later as the League One side continued to have the better of the play against their top-flight opponents.
But Hull drew level with their first meaningful attack of the game three minutes before the break, Sagbo sliding in to convert Jake Livermore's beautifully weighted pass.
Parity lasted just two minutes, however, as Scougall thumped home from eight yards after an excellent run down the left from Murphy.
Bruce brought on Fryatt and Sone Aluko at the break and the change bore fruit four minutes after the interval.
United failed to clear a corner and Chester stabbed the ball goalwards, where Fryatt was well placed to sweep into the net from close range.
Huddlestone put Hull in front for the first time five minutes later, exchanging passes with Meyler before evading the challenges of Neill Collins and Michael Doyle to plant a finish beyond Mark Howard.
Quinn headed in from eight yards midway through the half after Meyler and Livermore combined down the right-hand side, before Murphy reduced the deficit with a close-range finish.
Hopes of a United comeback were dashed, though, when Meyler broke free to make it two wins out of two for Hull at the new Wembley - having prevailed there in the 2008 play-off final - and secure their berth in next month's final at the national stadium.
Hull City reached the FA Cup final for the first time in their history, twice coming from behind to beat Sheffield United 5-3 at Wembley.
In their first semi-final in the competition since 1930, Steve Bruce's men recovered from a timid start to score three goals in 18 second-half minutes and book a final clash with Arsenal on May 17.
Jose Baxter, an unused substitute for Everton in the 2009 final, put United in front but Yannick Sagbo - selected as Hull's lone striker in the absence of the cup-tied Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long - equalised shortly before the break.
Nigel Clough's men responded immediately, taking a 2-1 lead into half-time when Stefan Scougall converted Jamie Murphy's cutback.
Hull were dominant after the interval, though, former Sheffield Wednesday loanee and half-time substitute Matty Fryatt levelling the scores once more before Tom Huddlestone finished off a fine move with a composed finish.
Former United player Stephen Quinn - another inspired Bruce substitution - headed a fourth, and while Murphy pulled one back, David Meyler put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time to end the underdogs' remarkable run.
After a cagey opening United took the lead in the 19th minute, Baxter getting on the end of John Brayford's right-wing cross to poke the ball home from six yards, although the final touch appeared to come off Hull defender James Chester.
Baxter, who was born in Liverpool, wheeled away in celebration, kissing his black armband commemorating the Hillsborough disaster.
Scougall fired high and wide from the edge of the area five minutes later as the League One side continued to have the better of the play against their top-flight opponents.
But Hull drew level with their first meaningful attack of the game three minutes before the break, Sagbo sliding in to convert Jake Livermore's beautifully weighted pass.
Parity lasted just two minutes, however, as Scougall thumped home from eight yards after an excellent run down the left from Murphy.
Bruce brought on Fryatt and Sone Aluko at the break and the change bore fruit four minutes after the interval.
United failed to clear a corner and Chester stabbed the ball goalwards, where Fryatt was well placed to sweep into the net from close range.
Huddlestone put Hull in front for the first time five minutes later, exchanging passes with Meyler before evading the challenges of Neill Collins and Michael Doyle to plant a finish beyond Mark Howard.
Quinn headed in from eight yards midway through the half after Meyler and Livermore combined down the right-hand side, before Murphy reduced the deficit with a close-range finish.
Hopes of a United comeback were dashed, though, when Meyler broke free to make it two wins out of two for Hull at the new Wembley - having prevailed there in the 2008 play-off final - and secure their berth in next month's final at the national stadium.
Napoli 4-2 Lazio: Higuain hat-trick sees Benitez's men emerge victorious
Napoli have recorded a 4-2 win over Lazio in Sunday afternoon's Serie A encounter at the Stadio San Paolo.
Senad Lulic gave the away side the lead halfway through the first half, but Dries Mertens restored parity shortly before the interval. Lorik Cana was then sent off before Gonzalo Higuain netted a hat-trick to help the hosts to victory, with Ogenyi Onazi's late goal serving as little more than a consolation strike.
Napoli started the match with attacking intentions, yet it was the hosts who drew first blood after 20 minutes of play. Stefano Mauri set up Lulic with a fine pass and the midfielder beat Pepe Reina with a superb finish to make it 1-0.
The hosts came close to levelling the scorings again shortly after when Goran Pandev reached Higuain, but the Argentine was denied by a superb save from Etrit Berisha.
There was little the Albanian goalkeeper could do about Mertens' equaliser in the 42nd minute, though. The Belgium international collected a Raul Albiol pass before trying his luck from outside the area and left Berisha no chance with his powerful shot.
The former PSV winger again played a big role shortly after the break when he won a penalty after being fouled by Cana, with the latter receiving his second yellow card of the game for his action. Higuain stepped up and had no trouble finding the net from 12 yards.
Things got even worse for Lazio halfway through the second half as Higuain doubled his personal tally to hand Napoli a two-goal lead in the 67th minute. The prolific striker shook off Stefan Radu after being set up by Lorenzo Insigne and kept his calm in front of Berisha to make it 3-1.
Lazio were not giving up, however, and were rewarded for their efforts in the closing stages of the game when Onazi pegged one back, but it was too little, too late for the guests and Higuain eventually put the match to bed well into stoppage time with his third goal of the game.
Rafa Benitez's men remain third in Serie A with 67 points from 33 games, while Lazio sit seventh in the league table with 48 points.
Napoli have recorded a 4-2 win over Lazio in Sunday afternoon's Serie A encounter at the Stadio San Paolo.
Senad Lulic gave the away side the lead halfway through the first half, but Dries Mertens restored parity shortly before the interval. Lorik Cana was then sent off before Gonzalo Higuain netted a hat-trick to help the hosts to victory, with Ogenyi Onazi's late goal serving as little more than a consolation strike.
Napoli started the match with attacking intentions, yet it was the hosts who drew first blood after 20 minutes of play. Stefano Mauri set up Lulic with a fine pass and the midfielder beat Pepe Reina with a superb finish to make it 1-0.
The hosts came close to levelling the scorings again shortly after when Goran Pandev reached Higuain, but the Argentine was denied by a superb save from Etrit Berisha.
There was little the Albanian goalkeeper could do about Mertens' equaliser in the 42nd minute, though. The Belgium international collected a Raul Albiol pass before trying his luck from outside the area and left Berisha no chance with his powerful shot.
The former PSV winger again played a big role shortly after the break when he won a penalty after being fouled by Cana, with the latter receiving his second yellow card of the game for his action. Higuain stepped up and had no trouble finding the net from 12 yards.
Things got even worse for Lazio halfway through the second half as Higuain doubled his personal tally to hand Napoli a two-goal lead in the 67th minute. The prolific striker shook off Stefan Radu after being set up by Lorenzo Insigne and kept his calm in front of Berisha to make it 3-1.
Lazio were not giving up, however, and were rewarded for their efforts in the closing stages of the game when Onazi pegged one back, but it was too little, too late for the guests and Higuain eventually put the match to bed well into stoppage time with his third goal of the game.
Rafa Benitez's men remain third in Serie A with 67 points from 33 games, while Lazio sit seventh in the league table with 48 points.
We fought for Wenger - Vermaelen
Thomas Vermaelen has praised Arsenal's fighting spirit following Saturday's FA Cup semi-final penalty shootout win over Wigan.
The Gunners appeared to be heading for defeat at Wembley thanks to a 63rd-minute penalty from Jordi Gomez, only for Per Mertesacker to level the scores with eight minutes remaining.
Arsenal went on to win the penalty shootout 4-2 and Vermaelen believes that the triumph will act as a timely boost for Arsenal and ease some of the pressure on Arsene Wenger following a run of poor form.
"There was a lot of talk about needing the result for a few different reasons, for the manager and showing we could fight and I think we did that," Vermaelen told reporters.
"It will give us a boost for the rest of the season now, we can move forward with confidence.
"I'm very happy that we'll go to the final, that's why you play these games of course.
"It was a long game with extra-time and penalties, it's never easy but it's a good win."
Vermaelen was also quick to highlight the showing of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabiani, who produced two crucial saves in the shootout.
"We did have some practices but I wasn't down to take one," he added.
"Lukasz is an outstanding goalie, he works hard for it; he works so hard that he deserves this."
Thomas Vermaelen has praised Arsenal's fighting spirit following Saturday's FA Cup semi-final penalty shootout win over Wigan.
The Gunners appeared to be heading for defeat at Wembley thanks to a 63rd-minute penalty from Jordi Gomez, only for Per Mertesacker to level the scores with eight minutes remaining.
Arsenal went on to win the penalty shootout 4-2 and Vermaelen believes that the triumph will act as a timely boost for Arsenal and ease some of the pressure on Arsene Wenger following a run of poor form.
"There was a lot of talk about needing the result for a few different reasons, for the manager and showing we could fight and I think we did that," Vermaelen told reporters.
"It will give us a boost for the rest of the season now, we can move forward with confidence.
"I'm very happy that we'll go to the final, that's why you play these games of course.
"It was a long game with extra-time and penalties, it's never easy but it's a good win."
Vermaelen was also quick to highlight the showing of goalkeeper Lukasz Fabiani, who produced two crucial saves in the shootout.
"We did have some practices but I wasn't down to take one," he added.
"Lukasz is an outstanding goalie, he works hard for it; he works so hard that he deserves this."
Bayern simply had a bad day at the office, insists Neuer
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has downplayed the significance of Saturday's 3-0 Bundesliga defeat against Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena.
The former Schalke man admitted that the Bavarians had hoped for a better result, but was quick to stress that the league is no longer a priority for Bayern as they have already wrapped up the domestic title.
"We were obviously looking for a different result, but we simply had a bad day at the office," he told the official Bayern website.
"I think we have different and more important challenges, but we can’t just give up on the Bundesliga. We need to move on quickly and focus on the future.
"We know the challenge that faces us at home to Kaiserslautern and we want to progress to the final in Berlin. It’s important."
Neuer was replaced at half-time during Saturday's loss due to a minor injury, but he has stressed that he will be ready for the match against Kaiserslautern.
"I’m in no danger of missing out."
Bayern beat Kaiserslautern 4-0 in the second round of the DFB Pokal last season.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has downplayed the significance of Saturday's 3-0 Bundesliga defeat against Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena.
The former Schalke man admitted that the Bavarians had hoped for a better result, but was quick to stress that the league is no longer a priority for Bayern as they have already wrapped up the domestic title.
"We were obviously looking for a different result, but we simply had a bad day at the office," he told the official Bayern website.
"I think we have different and more important challenges, but we can’t just give up on the Bundesliga. We need to move on quickly and focus on the future.
"We know the challenge that faces us at home to Kaiserslautern and we want to progress to the final in Berlin. It’s important."
Neuer was replaced at half-time during Saturday's loss due to a minor injury, but he has stressed that he will be ready for the match against Kaiserslautern.
"I’m in no danger of missing out."
Bayern beat Kaiserslautern 4-0 in the second round of the DFB Pokal last season.
Pellegrini rues failure to award 'clear penalty' in Liverpool loss
Manuel Pellegrini has rued referee Mark Clattenburg's failure to award a "clear penalty" as Manchester City suffered a damaging defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Goals from Raheem Sterling, Martin Skrtel and Philippe Coutinho saw the hosts resist an impressive comeback from last season's runners-up, though the defender appeared to handle inside his own area in stoppage time.
The City manager insists his side did not deserve to lose, but admits his players made "mistakes" and wasted opportunities to take the lead once they levelled matters in the second half.
"It's disappointing because we lost a game that we didn't deserve to," he told Sky Sports. "We played very well, especially the second half and the last 15 minutes of the first half.
"We had clear chances to score but football is made from good things and mistakes and we made a mistake and they won the game.
"They started very well, they scored a goal and after a corner they scored the second. It's easier when you're playing at home and you have gone two goals in front. Of course it's more easier to play with calm.
"After that we rearranged it and we finished the last 15 minutes of the first half with two clear chances. In the second half there was just one team on the pitch. We scored two goals, we had two or three clear chances to score [more goals].
"There was also a clear penalty. It totally hit his [Skrtel's] hand, very clearly, but we made the mistake on the third goal and they finished up winning the game."
Manuel Pellegrini has rued referee Mark Clattenburg's failure to award a "clear penalty" as Manchester City suffered a damaging defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Goals from Raheem Sterling, Martin Skrtel and Philippe Coutinho saw the hosts resist an impressive comeback from last season's runners-up, though the defender appeared to handle inside his own area in stoppage time.
The City manager insists his side did not deserve to lose, but admits his players made "mistakes" and wasted opportunities to take the lead once they levelled matters in the second half.
"It's disappointing because we lost a game that we didn't deserve to," he told Sky Sports. "We played very well, especially the second half and the last 15 minutes of the first half.
"We had clear chances to score but football is made from good things and mistakes and we made a mistake and they won the game.
"They started very well, they scored a goal and after a corner they scored the second. It's easier when you're playing at home and you have gone two goals in front. Of course it's more easier to play with calm.
"After that we rearranged it and we finished the last 15 minutes of the first half with two clear chances. In the second half there was just one team on the pitch. We scored two goals, we had two or three clear chances to score [more goals].
"There was also a clear penalty. It totally hit his [Skrtel's] hand, very clearly, but we made the mistake on the third goal and they finished up winning the game."
Mascherano: La Liga out of Barcelona's hands
Javier Mascherano has admitted that Barcelona no longer have their fate in their own hands in the Primera Division title race following Saturday's 1-0 shock defeat against Granada but feels the Catalans were unfortunate to lose.
The Catalans have dropped to third place in the league table behind Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid following this weekend's results and the Argentine has all but conceded defeat.
"The league is no longer in our hands," he was quoted as saying on the club's official website.
"I don’t think the defeat in the Champions League affected us, we created a lot of chances, but the ball didn’t want to go in.
"But we can’t make excuses. I think we created chances to score, but football can be like this."
The former Liverpool man then went on to stress that Barcelona must bounce back from Saturday's defeat in Wednesday's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
"We have to pick ourselves up and look forward, because on Wednesday we have a final and we cannot fail."
Javier Mascherano has admitted that Barcelona no longer have their fate in their own hands in the Primera Division title race following Saturday's 1-0 shock defeat against Granada but feels the Catalans were unfortunate to lose.
The Catalans have dropped to third place in the league table behind Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid following this weekend's results and the Argentine has all but conceded defeat.
"The league is no longer in our hands," he was quoted as saying on the club's official website.
"I don’t think the defeat in the Champions League affected us, we created a lot of chances, but the ball didn’t want to go in.
"But we can’t make excuses. I think we created chances to score, but football can be like this."
The former Liverpool man then went on to stress that Barcelona must bounce back from Saturday's defeat in Wednesday's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
"We have to pick ourselves up and look forward, because on Wednesday we have a final and we cannot fail."
'We were incredible' - Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers has lavished his title-chasing Liverpool side with superlatives after an “outstanding” display saw the Reds secure a 3-2 win over Manchester City on an emotional day at Anfield.
After a spine-tingling rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' marked 25 years since the Hillsborough tragedy, the Merseysiders raced into an early through Raheem Sterling and held a commanding 2-0 advantage at half-time, though that was swiftly wiped out in the second period.
But, even though the scores were tied and with City in the ascendency, Liverpool rallied and dug in, with Philippe Coutinho curling in the eventual winner late on, and Rodgers was effusive in his praise of his players afterwards.
“It was a remarkable performance. I thought we were incredible today. The world watching that would have seen a team with so much spirit, so much quality and it was incredible,” he told Sky Sports.
“It showed you the character in the group. To come back, to get our composure again and score a brilliant goal. Three really valuable points for us.
"We were well on top first half, totally controlled the game, 2-0 up and could've been more. They've got top players and top players respond. They came out very quickly and got themselves back into the game. Sometimes that happens in football.
“We changed our shape again, going to 4-3-3 and obviously Phil [Coutinho] gets the goal coming in from the left side. It was a wonderful atmosphere, down on pitchside it was incredible.
“Between us all, supporters, players, staff, it was a great victory for us.”
Despite moving five points clear at the top of the table – at least until Chelsea have played – Rodgers refused to get carried away and will quickly refocus his players' attention on the upcoming Norwich City match.
“I said at the beginning it was a significant game. It may end up being a significant one. But we've got Norwich next week, who played well against Fulham,” the Liverpool boss added.
“So for us it's about enjoying this. Man City is a wonderful team and a wonderful squad. So we'll enjoy the win, we'll recover well.
“We're not going to veer from what we've always done which is concentrate on the next opponent and that's what we'll continue to do. You can see the level and quality of our football, which was fantastic today, we're clearly coping with it [the expectation of being in the title race].”
Brendan Rodgers has lavished his title-chasing Liverpool side with superlatives after an “outstanding” display saw the Reds secure a 3-2 win over Manchester City on an emotional day at Anfield.
After a spine-tingling rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' marked 25 years since the Hillsborough tragedy, the Merseysiders raced into an early through Raheem Sterling and held a commanding 2-0 advantage at half-time, though that was swiftly wiped out in the second period.
But, even though the scores were tied and with City in the ascendency, Liverpool rallied and dug in, with Philippe Coutinho curling in the eventual winner late on, and Rodgers was effusive in his praise of his players afterwards.
“It was a remarkable performance. I thought we were incredible today. The world watching that would have seen a team with so much spirit, so much quality and it was incredible,” he told Sky Sports.
“It showed you the character in the group. To come back, to get our composure again and score a brilliant goal. Three really valuable points for us.
"We were well on top first half, totally controlled the game, 2-0 up and could've been more. They've got top players and top players respond. They came out very quickly and got themselves back into the game. Sometimes that happens in football.
“We changed our shape again, going to 4-3-3 and obviously Phil [Coutinho] gets the goal coming in from the left side. It was a wonderful atmosphere, down on pitchside it was incredible.
“Between us all, supporters, players, staff, it was a great victory for us.”
Despite moving five points clear at the top of the table – at least until Chelsea have played – Rodgers refused to get carried away and will quickly refocus his players' attention on the upcoming Norwich City match.
“I said at the beginning it was a significant game. It may end up being a significant one. But we've got Norwich next week, who played well against Fulham,” the Liverpool boss added.
“So for us it's about enjoying this. Man City is a wonderful team and a wonderful squad. So we'll enjoy the win, we'll recover well.
“We're not going to veer from what we've always done which is concentrate on the next opponent and that's what we'll continue to do. You can see the level and quality of our football, which was fantastic today, we're clearly coping with it [the expectation of being in the title race].”
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