Liverpool Crashes Man City: A Title Race Statement at the Etihad

In a pivotal Premier League clash on February 23, 2025, Liverpool secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the table to 11 points. This win not only showcased Liverpool’s title credentials but also highlighted Manchester City’s ongoing struggles this season.

First Half: Liverpool’s Early Dominance

The match commenced with high intensity, as both teams sought to establish control. Liverpool’s innovative set-piece strategy paid dividends in the 14th minute. A cleverly executed corner saw Alexis Mac Allister pass to Dominik Szoboszlai at the near post, who then flicked the ball into Mohamed Salah’s path. Salah’s first-time strike, aided by a deflection off Nathan Ake, found the back of the net, marking his 30th goal of the season.

Buoyed by the opener, Liverpool continued to press. In the 37th minute, Salah turned provider, delivering a precise pass to Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, doubling Liverpool’s advantage before halftime.

Second Half: Manchester City’s Response and Liverpool’s Control

Facing a two-goal deficit, Manchester City endeavored to mount a comeback in the second half. Jeremy Doku was particularly lively on the flanks, completing an impressive 13 dribbles and consistently challenging Liverpool’s defense.

However, Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, remained resolute. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was called into action on several occasions but managed to preserve his clean sheet. City’s efforts were further hampered by the absence of their talismanic striker, Erling Haaland, sidelined due to injury.

Key Performances: Salah’s Record-Breaking Night

Mohamed Salah’s performance was nothing short of stellar. His goal and assist in this match brought his Premier League tally to 25 goals and 16 assists for the season. Remarkably, Salah has now been directly involved in over 40 league goals in two separate seasons, a feat previously unmatched in the Premier League.

Dominik Szoboszlai also shone brightly, not only contributing a goal but also playing a pivotal role in midfield, linking play and disrupting City’s rhythm. His partnership with Salah proved to be a constant thorn in City’s side throughout the match.

Implications: Title Race and Manchester City’s Woes

This victory propels Liverpool to 64 points from 27 matches, establishing a significant 11-point cushion over second-placed Arsenal. The Reds are now firm favorites to clinch their first Premier League title since the 2019-2020 season.

Conversely, Manchester City’s defeat leaves them in fourth place, a staggering 20 points adrift of the leaders. This marks their eighth loss of the campaign, underscoring one of their most challenging seasons under Pep Guardiola’s tenure.

Liverpool’s decisive win at the Etihad not only underscores their dominance this season but also highlights the widening gulf between them and their traditional rivals. With Mohamed Salah in record-breaking form and the team operating cohesively under Arne Slot’s guidance, the Reds appear poised to reclaim the Premier League crown. Meanwhile, Manchester City faces pressing questions as they seek to salvage their season and secure a Champions League berth.