![Dominik Szoboszlai, right, celebrates scoring Liverpool's second goal with teammate Mohamed Salah [Lee Smith/Action Images via Reuters]](https://jambobet.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/GG.jpg "GG")
Salah and Szoboszlai Fire Liverpool to a Statement Victory
Liverpool secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai ensured Arne Slot’s side took full advantage of Arsenal’s shock defeat to West Ham, bringing them closer to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
With just 11 games left in the season, the Reds have put themselves in a commanding position, while Manchester City’s title hopes seem to be fading fast. Instead, Pep Guardiola’s team now faces a battle for a top-four finish and potential silverware in cup competitions.
Liverpool’s Early Breakthrough Silences the Etihad
Liverpool wasted no time imposing themselves on the game. It took just 15 minutes for the visitors to find the net, thanks to a well-executed set-piece routine. Alexis Mac Allister delivered a precise cross to Dominik Szoboszlai, who flicked the ball toward the penalty spot. Mohamed Salah reacted quickly, firing a first-time shot past Ederson with a slight deflection off Nathan Aké.
A well-worked opener at the Etihad pic.twitter.com/ThczCebmyQ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 23, 2025
The early goal sent the Reds fans into celebration and left City struggling to recover. Guardiola’s side attempted to respond, but they found it difficult to break through Liverpool’s disciplined defensive setup.
City’s Equalizer Denied by VAR
Manchester City thought they had found an immediate response when Omar Marmoush finished off a well-worked move after a pass from Phil Foden. However, the celebrations were short-lived as VAR ruled Marmoush offside, keeping Liverpool’s lead intact.
Despite dominating possession, City lacked their usual attacking fluency, with the Reds pressing aggressively and keeping their defensive shape intact.
Liverpool Strike Again Before Halftime
As City continued to push forward, the Reds struck again with a perfectly executed counterattack in the 37th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold sent a long ball over the top to Salah, who drove into the box before selflessly setting up Szoboszlai for a well-placed finish into the bottom corner.
A cool finish from Szobo pic.twitter.com/ybnBRkzeo9
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 23, 2025
It was a clinical move that showcased Liverpool’s lethal attacking precision and left City with a mountain to climb heading into halftime.
Haaland’s Absence Leaves City Toothless
With Erling Haaland missing due to injury, City lacked a focal point in attack. Omar Marmoush, who had impressed in previous games, struggled against the defensive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
Kevin De Bruyne, usually City’s main creative outlet, endured a frustrating afternoon. His rare first-half shot flew well over the bar, summing up City’s struggles. Without their talismanic striker, City’s attacking play lacked cutting edge and they were unable to seriously test Alisson.
Liverpool Manage the Second Half with Ease
Unlike previous meetings where City had staged remarkable comebacks, the Reds controlled the game comfortably in the second half.
In the 60th minute, Curtis Jones thought he had added a third, tapping in from close range, but VAR disallowed the goal due to Szoboszlai being offside in the build-up. Moments later, Luis Díaz forced Ederson into a stunning save, ensuring the scoreline remained at 2-0.
City, meanwhile, looked completely out of rhythm, struggling to create any significant goal-scoring chances. As the game progressed, the Reds ’s defensive organization and game management ensured a stress-free finish.
Liverpool Complete a Rare League Double Over City
With this victory, Liverpool achieved a Premier League double over Manchester City for only the third time in history. Having won 2-0 at Anfield in December, they reaffirmed their dominance over the reigning champions.
The result also gave Liverpool their biggest lead at the top of the table this season, making them clear favorites to win the title.
With upcoming fixtures in the League Cup final and a Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool remain on course for multiple trophies this season.
Manchester City’s Title Hopes All but Over
For Pep Guardiola, this defeat likely marks the end of City’s title defense. Instead of focusing on closing the gap, City must now ensure they finish in the top four to secure Champions League football next season.
Their recent struggles against fellow top-six sides have been a major concern, and with Arsenal and Tottenham still to come, City’s position in the table could worsen further.
Key Match Stats
- Liverpool had six shots on target, while City managed only two
- City failed to register a single shot on target in the second half
- Mohamed Salah has now scored 19 Premier League goals this season
- Szoboszlai scored his seventh goal of the campaign
- Liverpool’s defense has conceded just three goals in their last seven league matches
Upcoming Fixtures for Liverpool and Manchester City
Liverpool’s Next Five Fixtures
- Newcastle (H)
- Wolves (A)
- Brighton (H)
- West Ham (A)
- Chelsea (H)
Manchester City’s Next Five Fixtures
- Tottenham (A)
- Aston Villa (H)
- Arsenal (A)
- Fulham (H)
- Crystal Palace (A)
Liverpool’s remaining fixtures look favorable, while City faces a difficult run-in, which could further impact their season.
Liverpool’s Title to Lose
With an 11-point lead at the top of the table, the Reds are now firmly in control of their destiny. Their ability to win crucial matches, remain defensively solid, and execute game plans effectively makes them the clear front-runners for the title.
For Manchester City, their attention will now shift to securing a top-four finish and pursuing success in the FA Cup.
If the Reds continues their dominant form, it will be only a matter of time before they are crowned Premier League champions.
READ NEXT:
