Discover how Salah led Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over Manchester City, breaking their Etihad hoodoo. Read more about this thrilling match and its highlights.
Introduction:
Liverpool moved a massive step closer to winning the Premier League title themselves with a dominant 2-0 victory at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, reinforcing their title ambitions in a display that combined defensive solidity with attacking panache.
Mohamed Salah was the author of City’s demise, opening and then creating Dominik Szoboszlai for the second as Arne Slot’s team sealed the top spot on the table. The win sent Liverpool 11 points ahead of Arsenal — having played a match more — with Manchester City continuing to stay in fourth position, their title defense increasingly tenuous. See also: Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte Rescue United
This outcome not only broke Liverpool’s long unbeaten sequence at the Etihad — their first Premier League triumph there since 2015 — but also caused a huge psychological dent to Pep Guardiola’s team, who were without their talismanic striker Erling Haaland.
Manchester City kicked off in style, controlling early possession and testing Liverpool’s defense, but the visitors got on the board first. Rico Lewis, under pressure from Curtis Jones, lost the ball deep in his half and left Liverpool to take advantage. Luis Diaz forced a corner, and from the set-piece, a moment of luck went in the Reds’ favor.
See also: Haaland Returns to Fire City Past Spurs 1-0 in Crucial Win
Szoboszlai played the ball in the way of Salah, who automatically hit it first-time. The shot deflected off Nathan Ake, leaving Ederson wrong-footed and nestling in the back of the net in the 14th minute. While the deflection was important, Salah’s movement and clean strike were decisive.
Szoboszlai Doubles the Advantage
Manchester City attempted to regroup, with Omar Marmoush seeing a fine finish ruled out for offside. But Liverpool weren’t done yet. In the 37th minute, Salah turned provider, showcasing his pace and vision. Beating Josko Gvardiol down the right flank, Salah held off the defender before sliding a perfectly weighted pass across to Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder, calm under pressure, slotted past Ederson to make it 2-0.
City’s defense, minus the leadership of Ruben Dias and injured Haaland, seemed disjointed, while Liverpool’s strike partnership of Salah and Szoboszlai took advantage of every chance.
City pressed strongly after halftime, trying to scrape their way back into the game. Jeremy Doku, a thorn in the side of Liverpool on the left wing, consistently beat Trent Alexander-Arnold, sending teasing crosses into the box. But City’s absence of a legitimate No. 9 was evident. Without Haaland to score off those crosses, Liverpool’s backline stood firm.
Liverpool believed they had their third goal on the cusp of the hour mark when Szoboszlai played Curtis Jones through for a tap-in, but the VAR deemed Szoboszlai just offside in the lead-up.
City’s best opportunity to stage a comeback came via Marmoush, whose curling shot forced a brilliant diving save from Alisson. The Egyptian striker, who had just returned from a hat-trick against Newcastle, ran tirelessly but was short of that cutting edge to get through Liverpool’s well-organized defense.
Liverpool’s Game Management Seals the Win
When City’s assaults became more and more desperate, Liverpool demonstrated their guile and temperament. Virgil van Dijk organized the rearguard beautifully, Curtis Jones delivered unending dynamism in midfield, and Alisson continued to be an assured presence in goal.
In the dying minutes, Abdukodir Khusanov came to the rescue with a vital block to keep Szoboszlai from scoring his second, but the damage had already been done. Liverpool rode out the last few minutes with ease, marking a milestone win that may shape their season.
Mohamed Salah – The Undisputed Star
While rumors of his Anfield future remain constant, Salah keeps on producing at the very top. His 41st goal contribution of the campaign — a tally that leaves him tantalizingly close to the Premier League’s one-season record — underlines his consistency and power.
Salah’s sheer ability to marry speed, power, and vision was in evidence. Whether it was his opportunistic first or his delivery for Szoboszlai, Salah controlled Liverpool’s attack and once again showed why he is still at the core of their title race.
Dominik Szoboszlai – The Perfect Partner
Szoboszlai replicated Salah’s ingenuity, netting one and setting up another. The Hungarian’s vision with the ball at his feet and off-the-ball movement brought an extra element to Liverpool’s midfield. His composed finish for the second goal and his innovation in the final third gave Liverpool the control they desired against a possession-hungry City team.
City’s Misery Without Haaland
Erling Haaland’s absence was glaring. Manchester City created numerous half-chances, but without their star striker, they lacked the clinical edge to convert them. Jeremy Doku was lively, frequently beating his marker, but his crosses found no willing finishers.
Pep Guardiola will be angered by the absence of a plan B. Marmoush attempted to step into Haaland’s shoes, but with all his movement and energy, he was unable to match the Norwegian’s ferocity in front of goal.
Tactical Breakdown: Slot’s Masterclass Outwits Guardiola
Arne Slot’s tactical plan was clear from the outset — press City high, exploit their defensive frailties, and force turnovers in dangerous areas. Curtis Jones’ relentless pressing led directly to the first goal, while Liverpool’s midfield trio worked cohesively to disrupt City’s rhythm.
Szoboszlai’s ability to drift wide and interchange with Salah also caused chaos in City’s backline, exposing gaps that the Reds exploited clinically.
City’s Missed Opportunities and Defensive Errors
As City dominated with more than 60% possession, they were toothless up front. In the absence of Haaland, they did not have a focal point, and defensive errors — notably from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol — provided Liverpool with their goals.
Guardiola’s decision to play without a conventional center forward, using fluid attacking rotations instead, backfired against Liverpool’s solid backline eventually.
Title Race Implications: Liverpool in Pole Position
Liverpool’s victory sends a message loud and clear — they are now in total command of the Premier League championship. With City falling behind again and Arsenal faltering against West Ham, the Reds are 11 points at the top of the table despite Arsenal having one game in hand.
For City, their attention is now on guaranteeing a top-four finish, with Tottenham to come next. The Haaland absence is still a worry, and Guardiola will have to rethink his attack if City are to rescue their season.