Liverpool’s captain exemplified leadership, while their dynamic forwards executed the remainder of the strategy, as Arne Slot’s squad faced a decisive defeat at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo secured a commanding 2-0 victory for Liverpool against Manchester City, creating significant separation between themselves and their Premier League title contenders.
The home team commenced the match with vigorous intensity, thoroughly overwhelming City’s defense and challenging goalkeeper Stefan Ortega at every opportunity. Virgil van Dijk came agonizingly close to giving the Reds the lead in the 12th minute, as his header struck the post and ricocheted away to safety.
Shortly thereafter, Salah delivered a captivating pass and Gakpo was perfectly positioned to net the goal as Liverpool sensed an opportunity. City improved following the 20-minute mark, yet Trent Alexander-Arnold nearly extended the lead to 2-0 with a powerful shot that brushed the outside of the post.
The visitors, who struggled to pose an attacking threat from the flanks and managed only one shot on goal compared to Liverpool’s 10 in the first half, gradually found their footing in the match. However, they should have been trailing by more when Salah was presented with a clear chance before the hour mark, only for the Egyptian to inexplicably shoot over the crossbar.
Alexander-Arnold and Gakpo compelled Ortega to make impressive saves before Salah ultimately secured the victory in the 78th minute by converting the penalty won by Luis Diaz after Ortega’s foul.
This result propels Liverpool nine points ahead of second-placed Arsenal and a staggering 11 points clear of the reigning champions, City.
