Liverpool took a major step towards winning the Premier League by dismantling a lacklustre Manchester City in a crucial showdown on Sunday.
Mohamed Salah starred, scoring once and providing an assist, as Liverpool moved 11 points clear at the top of the table, albeit having played a game mMan Cityore.
The Egyptian forward netted his 30th goal of the season before setting up Dominik Szoboszlai to double the lead before half-time.
Days after their Champions League exit to Real Madrid, this was another sobering defeat for the dethroned English champions, who now sit 20 points behind the leaders.
For years, Liverpool have fallen short in their intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s City, but under Arne Slot, they now look poised to equal Manchester United’s record of 20 English top-flight titles.
Dominant Liverpool, Struggling City
Arsenal’s shock 1-0 home defeat to West Ham on Saturday eased the pressure on Liverpool after recent dropped points against Everton and Aston Villa.
A visit to the Etihad has long been the toughest challenge in English football, but City’s defensive weaknesses were ruthlessly exploited, while the absence of Erling Haaland in attack proved costly.
Liverpool, in contrast, had their talisman fit and firing, as Salah’s incredible season tally rose to 25 goals and 16 assists in 27 league appearances.
The opener came after 14 minutes via a well-worked set-piece. Alexis Mac Allister’s corner was flicked on by Szoboszlai, finding Salah, whose shot deflected off Nathan Aké past the helpless Ederson.
At the other end, City’s Egyptian international Omar Marmoush found the net but was flagged offside after a pass from Phil Foden.
Jeremy Doku caused problems for Trent Alexander-Arnold but consistently failed to produce a decisive final ball. Salah, by contrast, was clinical, racing onto a long pass and setting up Szoboszlai, who wrong-footed Ederson to double the lead.
Liverpool in Control
The margin could have been even greater if Liverpool had been more ruthless on the counter-attack after the break.
Curtis Jones had a goal ruled out for offside following a VAR check, while Ederson produced a stunning save to deny Luis Díaz.
City enjoyed nearly 70 per cent possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third, with Marmoush’s late effort flashing across goal.
Despite suffering their eighth league defeat of the season, City remain fourth and are likely to qualify for the Champions League, with a top-five finish expected to be enough.
However, after winning four consecutive titles, Guardiola’s side now seem like yesterday’s team, while Liverpool edge closer to being crowned champions.