Liverpool took a huge step towards claiming the Premier League title this afternoon, beating defending champions Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai secured all three points for Arne Slot’s side, claiming their first victory against the Citizens on their home turf in a decade.
The victory moves the Reds 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, with just 11 games remaining, looking in a superb place to secure a first title in five years.
It would be a phenomenal achievement by the Dutchman after taking the reins in the summer, providing the perfect transition after Jürgen Klopp stepped away from the role.
Numerous players impressed in Manchester during the victory, playing a pivotal role in moving the side one step closer to bringing the title back to Anfield.
Liverpool’s star performers against Man City
Egyptian winger Salah provided the goods for Liverpool once again this afternoon, getting himself on the scoresheet for the 25th time in just 27 matches.
The 32-year-old also registered an assist for their second goal, making it the 11th game in the league throughout 2024/25 in which he had achieved such a feat.
In a game where Slot’s men only had 34% of the ball, it was pivotal that the backline resisted the pressure from the hosts, something which played perfectly into the hands of Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman made nine clearances, eight of which were with his head, winning 75% of the ground duels he entered – maintaining a clean sheet for the 11th time this campaign.
However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one other first-team star produced a magnificent display in the North West, massively boosting their title credentials.
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The Liverpool player who may have just won them the title
For the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side, Slot produced a tactical masterclass that saw the Reds switch to a 4-2-4 system, operating without a recognised striker despite having Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo on the bench.
It allowed for two false nines to drop into a deeper role along with the two central midfielders, creating a four-man box system in the middle – subsequently outnumbering the hosts in the centre of the park.
Curtis Jones was one of the players who operated in the aforementioned role, along with Szoboszlai – with the latter producing a performance to remember at the Etihad.
Despite the slightly unfamiliar role, the Hungarian international starred throughout, registering a goal and an assist during the victory, linking up excellently with Salah in the final third.
However, his underlying stats were just as impressive, with his numbers undoubtedly edging the side ever closer to ending their five-season wait for a Premier League title.
The 24-year-old, whose display was dubbed “sensational” by journalist Lewis Steele, registered 37 touches during the victory, four of which came in the opposition box, including his strike to double the lead.
Minutes played
90
Touches
37
Goals & assists
2
Dribbles completed
1/1 (100%)
Shots taken
3
Tackles won
2/2 (100%)
Recoveries made
3
Szoboszlai completed 100% of the dribbles he attempted, registering two other efforts on goal, in what was an all-around quality performance within attacking areas.
However, despite his impressive attacking display, he also produced some phenomenal defensive numbers, winning 100% of the tackles he entered, making three recoveries and excelling in the false nine role.
As a result of his showing, Szoboszlai was handed an 8/10 match rating by The Express’ Archie Griggs, further highlighting his impressive showing against the defending champions.
It was a phenomenal showing from the Reds, one that could well prove to be the clincher in their title ambitions come the end of the season.
Salah and Szoboszlai were undoubtedly the two stars at the Etihad, inflicting yet more pain on Guardiola, whilst further showcasing what a superb side Slot has built in a short period of time.
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