Liverpool strengthened their hold on the Premier League title, extending their lead to 11 points with a dominant win over Manchester City at the Etihad.
The leaders were already in a stronger position after Arsenal’s surprising loss to West Ham on Saturday, and they solidified their advantage with a superb performance against the fallen champions.
City started well but were caught off guard by a well-executed corner routine from Liverpool in the 14th minute. Mohamed Salah scored his 30th goal of the season after Dominik Szoboszlai played Alex Mac Allister's delivery into his path.
Salah then turned provider eight minutes before half-time, sending a perfectly timed ball to Szoboszlai, who finished coolly past City goalkeeper Ederson.
From there, Liverpool expertly managed the game, maintaining their two-goal advantage and closing out a crucial victory without any significant threats from City in the second half.
Liverpool move closer to title triumph
Liverpool are in the perfect form and mindset to claim a 20th English title after delivering a ruthless, dominant performance against their long-time Premier League rivals, Manchester City.
City, struggling with an aging squad and injuries to key players like Rodri, John Stones, and Erling Haaland, were no match for Liverpool’s overwhelming display.
The result sent a clear message that Jurgen Klopp’s side has no intention of letting this opportunity slip away.
Though Etihad Stadium has not been a happy hunting ground for Liverpool in recent years—winning just once in their last 15 league visits—once Mohamed Salah gave them an early lead, the outcome was never really in doubt.
It was fitting that Salah would lead the charge in such a pivotal match, adding to his remarkable tally of 30+ goals in five separate seasons for Liverpool, a feat he shares with legends Roger Hunt and Ian Rush.
Dominik Szoboszlai also played a crucial role, putting in a powerful performance from midfield, while captain Virgil van Dijk was solid and commanding at the back.
Liverpool’s efficiency was a clear demonstration of how they have thrived under new manager Arne Slot, while Pep Guardiola faces a challenging rebuild at City.
Although Slot remains composed and cautious, with an 11-point lead and just one league loss this season, it’s hard to ignore that the finishing line is drawing closer—especially with 11 games still to play.
Guardiola's Struggles Grow as City Suffer Another Defeat
Pep Guardiola stood drenched in the rain, powerless as Liverpool delivered another painful blow to his struggling champions in a season that has seen nothing but setbacks.
City’s troubles continue to mount—lackluster form, injuries to key players, and a squad that has aged together and failed to evolve.
The ease with which Real Madrid dispatched City in the Champions League play-off to reach the last 16, followed by Liverpool’s comfortable win, signals a turning point in Guardiola’s tenure as he faces the tough task of rebuilding.
A poignant moment came in the 67th minute when James McAtee replaced Kevin de Bruyne.
The Belgian playmaker received a standing ovation from the City fans, despite a muted performance, perhaps signaling that they know their time with one of the club’s greatest-ever players may be running out.
Now, Guardiola and City must shift their focus down the table for the rest of the season, aiming to secure a Champions League spot for next year while salvaging what they can from a disappointing FA Cup campaign.