Liverpool took a significant step towards reinforcing their Premier League title credentials with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of the table to a commanding nine points.
The match showcased Liverpool’s tactical brilliance, as goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah piled more misery on a Manchester City side that has struggled in recent weeks and now finds itself outside the top four after an unusual run of poor form.
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 12th minute, calmly finishing Mohamed Salah’s precise cross at the far post, leaving Manchester City’s defense flat-footed and unable to react in time. The early goal set the tone for the rest of the match, as Liverpool’s pressing game put City under constant pressure throughout.
While City did show a brief moment of threat in the first half, notably with a scuffed shot from Rico Lewis, they were largely outclassed by a relentless Liverpool side, who controlled possession with their high pressing and clinical passing in the final third. The defensive work from Virgil van Dijk and his teammates in the backline proved solid, with City’s attackers unable to create any significant chances.
One of the most telling signs of City’s troubles was their lack of a cutting edge, with Erling Haaland being the only player in the starting XI to have scored a league goal this season, highlighting the team’s struggles in front of goal. Pep Guardiola’s controversial decision to bench key players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson further limited City’s attacking efforts, with the lack of a creative spark from De Bruyne particularly noticeable in the absence of his usual influence on the game.
In the second half, Liverpool continued to dominate proceedings. Mohamed Salah doubled the lead in the 65th minute, converting from the penalty spot after Darwin Nunez won the spot-kick by dispossessing Ruben Dias and laying the ball off to Luis Diaz, who was fouled by City’s backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Salah’s composed penalty put Liverpool firmly in control and left Manchester City with little chance of mounting a comeback.
Although Guardiola eventually introduced De Bruyne into the fray, his late arrival did little to change the outcome. Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by the imperious Virgil van Dijk, held firm, with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher making a crucial save late in the game to deny De Bruyne, further ensuring that the three points remained firmly with the home side.
The 2-0 win marks a significant milestone for Liverpool, who have now won 18 of their last 20 games across all competitions under the guidance of manager Arne Slot. The victory leaves City reeling from their sixth loss in their last seven matches, a stark contrast to Liverpool’s rise as one of the Premier League’s most formidable teams this season. The loss also reflects the growing challenges Guardiola’s side faces as they continue to struggle with their form heading into the crucial second half of the season.
