Liverpool 2 – 0 Manchester City
With one more game played, Arna Slot’s team has extended their lead to 11 points over Arsenal.
Manchester City gave Liverpool a tough challenge with relentless attacks. They outperformed Liverpool in several areas, but it was Liverpool’s clever and tactical play that made the difference. By beating the English champions, Liverpool overcame a significant hurdle in their quest to reclaim the title.
In Monday’s Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring, and Dominik Szoboszlai doubled the lead.
With 64 points from 27 matches, Liverpool has strengthened their hold on the top spot. Arsenal, with a game in hand, is second with 53 points.
Nottingham Forest, also with 26 matches played, is third with 47 points, while Manchester City, with the same number of games but their eighth loss, remains fourth with 44 points.
City dominated possession with 66% and took 16 shots, five of which were on target, but none of them tested Alisson much. Liverpool, on the other hand, had 8 shots with 4 on target.
In a game full of counter-attacks, Liverpool took the lead in the 14th minute. After earning their first corner, the commentators noted that Arna Slot’s team hadn’t been very successful from corners this season. However, they responded cleverly. Alexis Mac Allister’s corner found Szoboszlai at the near post, and his flick set up Salah, who finished with a quick shot into the net. A deflection off a City player helped the ball evade Ederson’s reach.
This goal marked Salah’s 25th of the season, with Erling Haaland trailing by 6 goals.
Despite dominating possession, City struggled to create clear chances. In the 30th minute, Omar Marmoush thought he had scored, but his goal was ruled offside.
Seven minutes later, Liverpool made it 2-0. After receiving the ball from Salah, Szoboszlai calmly slotted it into the net.
In the second half, City piled pressure on Liverpool’s defense with wave after wave of attacks. However, they lacked the finishing touch, and Liverpool’s defense held strong.
In the 56th minute, Liverpool had the ball in the net again, but Curtis Jones was offside, so the goal was disallowed.
A couple of minutes later, Marmoush’s curling shot narrowly missed the target, as City squandered another good opportunity.
City kept attacking but struggled to break down Liverpool’s resolute defense. In the 72nd minute, Jeremy Doku had a chance, but his shot lacked power, and Alisson had no trouble saving it.
City continued their offensive efforts but couldn’t break through Liverpool’s solid defense for the rest of the match.
