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Liverpool continued their dominant run in the Premier League with a resounding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield, extending their lead at the top of the table to a commanding nine points. Arne Slot’s men, fresh from their victory against Champions League holders Real Madrid, were in superb form as they dismantled City, leaving the visitors reeling and without a win in their last seven matches. With the win, Liverpool now sits 11 points ahead of City, who have not won in the league for four consecutive games.
Liverpool’s Relentless Pressure Stuns City
From the first whistle, Liverpool set the tempo, pressing high and leaving City little room to breathe. The hosts’ intensity was evident, as they relentlessly bombarded City’s defence. Manchester City, notably without their first-choice goalkeeper Ederson, who was dropped in favour of Stefan Ortega, found themselves under constant pressure. Ortega was forced into a series of saves, including a near miss from Virgil van Dijk, who hit the post with a header early in the match.
It wasn’t long before Liverpool’s dominance paid off. In the 12th minute, Mohamed Salah showcased his exceptional vision by picking out Cody Gakpo, who made no mistake with a calm finish in front of the Kop. City struggled to cope with Liverpool’s attacking intensity, and despite some attempts to recover, they were always second best.
Photo: IMAGO
Van Dijk’s Miss and Nunez’s Impact
Although Liverpool was in control, they should have had more goals to show for their efforts. Van Dijk, who had been a towering presence at the back, came close to doubling the lead but missed a header when it seemed easier to score. The Dutchman’s frustration was palpable, but it didn’t detract from Liverpool’s overwhelming performance.
As City hinted at a slight recovery in the second half, Liverpool continued to create chances. With just 12 minutes remaining, Darwin Nunez, who had come on as a substitute, played a key role in the second goal. He chased down Ruben Dias, forcing the Portuguese defender into a mistake. Nunez pounced on the error, allowing Luis Diaz to break free. Diaz was then fouled by Ortega inside the box, earning Liverpool a penalty.
Salah, who had missed a penalty against Real Madrid earlier in the week, made no mistake this time. His composed finish from the spot sealed the win for Liverpool and ensured that City’s recent struggles continued. The result not only further solidified Liverpool’s position at the top of the Premier League but also added to the growing questions surrounding Manchester City’s form and future.
Photo: IMAGO
City’s Troubles Continue
For Manchester City, the result was yet another painful reminder of their struggles. City’s inability to find any rhythm in their play, coupled with their recent poor form, has placed Pep Guardiola’s team in a precarious position. With City now 11 points behind Liverpool, the reigning champions face a serious uphill battle to defend their title.
Guardiola’s side, once the epitome of consistent excellence, now finds themselves in free fall, having failed to secure a victory in their last four league games. Their issues run deep, and despite their talent, it is clear that City is lacking the same spark that made them so formidable in recent seasons.
For Liverpool, this victory represents a statement of intent as they continue their charge for the Premier League title. With the attacking prowess of Salah, Gakpo, and Nunez, coupled with solid defensive performances from Van Dijk and the rest of the backline, Liverpool appears to be a team capable of challenging not only domestically but also on the European stage.
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