Liverpool secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad. First-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai sealed the win, extending the Reds’ lead at the top to 11 points. Arne Slot’s side were clinical, while City, missing Erling Haaland, struggled to break through a resolute Liverpool defense.
Salah’s opener set the tone, his deflected strike marking his 30th goal of the season and drawing him level with Gordon Hodgson in Liverpool’s all-time scoring charts. The Egyptian then turned provider, teeing up Szoboszlai for a composed finish past Ederson.
City’s attack lacked its usual fluency, with Jeremy Doku providing the only real spark. He repeatedly tested Trent Alexander-Arnold but found little end product. Omar Marmoush thought he had pulled one back, only for VAR to rule his effort offside.
Slot’s tactical setup, using Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones in false nine roles, gave Liverpool control in midfield while allowing Salah and Luis Díaz to stretch City’s defense. The visitors absorbed pressure well, with Alisson making a key save to deny Marmoush in the second half.
Liverpool nearly added a third late on, Szoboszlai’s breakaway run halted only by a last-ditch block from Abdukodir Khusanov. But the damage was done. Slot’s men secured their first league win at the Etihad since 2015, reaffirming their credentials as title favorites.
With Arsenal still holding a game in hand, the title race remains open. But this was a statement victory for Liverpool’s dominance leaving City with plenty to ponder.
