Liverpool secured a stunning 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium during the Premier League match on February 23, significantly solidifying their position at the top of the league table with 61 points.
The match saw Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai each finding the back of the net, marking another significant achievement for Liverpool as they completed the season double over their rivals, something they hadn’t accomplished since the 2015-16 season.
Manchester City, who currently stands fourth with 44 points, came to this match aiming to bounce back after suffering defeats, including their recent exit from the Champions League playoffs against Real Madrid.
Liverpool made one change to their lineup, replacing Diogo Jota with Luis Díaz, as they approached the match with a tactical 4-4-2 formation, which was somewhat unconventional considering they opted not to use a traditional center forward.
Man City, meanwhile, employed their standard 4-3-3 setup, fielding notable players like Kevin De Bruyne and the returning Jeremy Doku. Despite their strong starting lineup, they couldn’t capitalize on their early possession advantage.
The early stages of the game saw City pressing for dominance, but it was Liverpool who created the first significant opportunity as the game progressed. Dominik Szoboszlai flicked the ball from a corner kick, allowing Salah to strike the ball home from close range just 14 minutes in, giving the away team the lead.
This goal marked Salah’s sixth consecutive goal in the Premier League and his 25th of the season, underscoring his continuous impact on the pitch. Just under half-an-hour later, Salah assisted Szoboszlai, who elegantly slotted another goal past Ederson, putting Liverpool firmly 2-0 up by the 37th minute.
Despite being two goals down, City never let their spirits fall, maintaining offensive pressure with attempts from Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush, both of which were ruled offside or thwarted by Liverpool’s defense.
The second half saw City intensify their efforts, yet Liverpool held their ground, exemplified by strong defensive performances led by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Liverpool remained organized, stifling City’s attempts to claw back, even as they made substitutions to refresh their squad.
Notably, Wataru Endo came on as a substitute, making contributions to Liverpool's defense, showcasing his awareness and positioning skills to prevent City from scoring. Liverpool's ability to manage the game and orchestrate their counter-attacks came to the fore as they maintained their lead without suffering any significant threats.
With the final whistle blown, Liverpool celebrated their hard-earned victory, reinforcing their status as frontrunners for the title, leaving City with the added pressure of needing to recover quickly. The victory placed Liverpool 11 points clear of the second-placed Arsenal, who also have one game less played.
This triumph not only boosts Liverpool's confidence but also puts Guardiola's City under scrutiny, marking the first-time defeat to Liverpool under his management at home. It raises questions about their tactics moving forward and how they can adapt to reclaim their standing.
The match encapsulates the competitive spirit of the Premier League, highlighting both teams' strengths and weaknesses and setting the stage for the remaining fixtures of the season.