Liverpool opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League as Manchester City’s crisis deepened in a 2-0 defeat at Anfield on Sunday.
Cody Gakpo’s 12th-minute goal was scant reward for the Reds’ first-half domination and they sealed an 18th win in 20 games under Arne Slot thanks to Mohamed Salah’s penalty.
Early Dominance by Liverpool
Manchester City entered Anfield under immense pressure following a string of poor results. Guardiola made a bold decision to drop first-choice goalkeeper Ederson in favor of Stefan Ortega. However, the German shot-stopper was immediately tested as Liverpool began the match on the front foot, bombarding City with relentless attacks.
Dominik Szoboszlai was instrumental in Liverpool’s early chances, forcing Ortega into two smart saves. The Hungarian playmaker then turned provider with a perfectly delivered cross to Virgil van Dijk, whose header struck the post. Liverpool’s energy and intensity overwhelmed the visitors, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
The breakthrough felt inevitable, and it came in the 24th minute courtesy of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian wizard produced a sublime cross from the right, finding Cody Gakpo at the back post. The Dutchman made no mistake, bundling the ball home to send the Anfield faithful into raptures.
Manchester City’s Lackluster First Half
City’s struggles in the first half were epitomized by their insistence on playing out from the back, a strategy that repeatedly invited pressure from Liverpool’s high press. The defending champions failed to create any meaningful opportunities, with their first attempt on goal coming as late as the 39th minute—a tame shot from Rico Lewis that missed the target. It marked the longest Manchester City had waited for their first shot in a Premier League match since April 2010.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continued to dominate. Van Dijk had another chance to double the lead, heading just wide, while Gakpo missed a golden opportunity to add a second when he fired over the bar. Despite the hosts’ missed chances, their control of the game remained absolute as City looked bereft of ideas.
A Second Half of Missed Chances and Redemption
The second half saw a slight improvement from City, but it was still Liverpool who created the lion’s share of chances. Gakpo had another shot blocked by Matheus Nunes, and Van Dijk continued to be a threat on set pieces, heading yet another chance over the bar.
Mohamed Salah, already instrumental in creating the opening goal, had a glorious opportunity to double Liverpool’s lead. A loose pass from Bernardo Silva allowed Salah to break through on goal, but the Egyptian’s lobbed effort sailed over the crossbar.
The hosts’ relentless pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute. Ruben Dias was caught in possession, and Luis Díaz capitalized by surging through on goal. Ortega brought him down in the box, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Salah stepped up and coolly slotted home, redeeming himself after missing a penalty against Real Madrid earlier in the week.
The goal was Salah’s 13th direct contribution (goals and assists) in his last 11 matches against Manchester City, further cementing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever forwards.
Liverpool’s Dominance at Anfield
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have turned Anfield into a fortress, beating the reigning champions of England, Spain, and Germany this season. This latest victory sees Liverpool open up a commanding nine-point lead over Arsenal, who sit second in the Premier League table. Slot’s men have now won 18 of their first 20 matches this season, a record that highlights their consistency and quality.
Liverpool’s defensive solidity was also on display, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté forming an impenetrable partnership at the back. City, despite their talented attacking lineup, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match—a damning statistic for Guardiola’s side.
Pep Guardiola’s Struggles
Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League defeat leaves them outside the top four, a position they have not experienced since the early days of Guardiola’s tenure. This is the first time City have lost four league matches in a row since August 2008, raising serious questions about their ability to defend their Premier League title.
Guardiola’s tactical tweaks, including starting Ortega in goal and pushing Rico Lewis into midfield, failed to yield positive results. City’s once-dominant style of play now appears disjointed, and their inability to cope with Liverpool’s intensity was evident throughout the match.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For Liverpool, this victory reinforces their status as title favorites. With an 11-point cushion over Manchester City and a nine-point lead over Arsenal, they are in a commanding position as the season approaches its halfway point. The Reds have been a model of consistency under Slot, and their blend of attacking flair and defensive organization makes them a formidable opponent for any side.
For City, the road ahead looks increasingly challenging. Guardiola must find a way to arrest their alarming slump in form and reignite their season. With key players underperforming and defensive errors proving costly, the defending champions face an uphill battle to reclaim their dominance in English football.
As the Premier League title race heats up, Liverpool’s statement victory at Anfield serves as a reminder of their quality and determination. For Manchester City, however, it is yet another painful chapter in a season that has veered off course.
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