Liverpool dominates Manchester City

Liverpool continued their remarkable Premier League campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah capped off one of the most memorable weeks in Arne Slot’s managerial career, pushing Liverpool 11 points clear of their nearest rivals, City, and nine ahead of second-placed Arsenal.

A tale of two forms

Heading into the match, Liverpool was in scintillating form, having won 14 of their last 15 games. Their 2-0 midweek triumph over Real Madrid in the Champions League had only boosted confidence. In stark contrast, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City was in turmoil, failing to win any of their last six matches, including squandering a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord earlier in the week. That difference in form was evident from the opening whistle. Liverpool dominated the early exchanges, pinning City back with relentless pressure. Dominik Szoboszlai came close twice, his first effort blocked by Nathan Aké and his second forcing a fine save from backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who replaced the benched Ederson.

Gakpo strikes first

Liverpool’s pressure paid off in the 12th minute with a stunning sequence of play. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a masterful long pass, perfectly finding Mohamed Salah on the wing. The Egyptian cut inside and delivered a precise cross that Cody Gakpo latched onto, slipping behind Kyle Walker to tap the ball in from close range. The goal, Gakpo’s eighth of the season, sent Anfield into raptures, just as he had done days earlier against Real Madrid. Liverpool continued to push, with Virgil van Dijk narrowly missing with a header shortly afterward. The Dutch defender also excelled at the back, keeping Erling Haaland completely neutralized. It wasn’t until the 39th minute that City registered their first shot, their longest wait for an attempt in a Premier League game since 2010.

Salah seals the victory

City saw more of the ball after the break but struggled to turn possession into meaningful chances. Liverpool remained the more dangerous side, with opportunities to extend their lead. Andy Robertson’s pinpoint pass set up Gakpo for a potential second goal, but the Dutchman’s effort went wide. Minutes later, Salah intercepted a poor pass from Bernardo Silva but blasted his shot over the bar. Slot introduced Darwin Núñez in the 72nd minute to exploit City’s increasingly open defense. The decision paid off as Liverpool doubled their lead in the 78th minute. Luis Díaz was brought down by the advancing Ortega, and Salah calmly converted the resulting penalty, securing the 2-0 victory.

A commanding lead

The final minutes saw Liverpool comfortably manage the game, with fans celebrating a pivotal win long before the final whistle. The result leaves Liverpool 11 points ahead of Manchester City, the defending champions, and nine points clear of Arsenal in second place. After back-to-back wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City, Liverpool has firmly established themselves as the dominant force in both England and Europe this season. Slot’s side will now look to build on this momentum as they march closer to Premier League glory.