Liverpool moved closer to cementing their status as title contenders with a decisive 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. This victory was not just significant for the points earned but also for what it meant for both teams involved, especially amid City’s struggles this season.
The match, held on February 23, 2025, showcased Liverpool's tactical discipline and attacking prowess. It was clear early on which side had the advantage, particularly with Manchester City missing their star striker Erling Haaland due to injury.
Fans were eager for what was expected to be another thrilling encounter between two of the Premier League's most competitive teams. Yet, Liverpool proved to be the far superior team on the day, showing their intentions right from the start.
Mohamed Salah struck first for the visitors, scoring the opening goal with just 14 minutes gone. Following a cleverly worked corner, Salah's shot deflected off Nathan Ake and beyond Ederson, giving Liverpool the early lead. This goal came as City controlled much of the early possession, yet they struggled to turn it effectively toward goal.
City's manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed disappointment with his side's inability to convert their control of the ball. Despite having 67% possession early on, the hosts found themselves thwarted by Liverpool's well-organized defense, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate acting as immovable barriers.
A thrilling back and forth continued, but it was Liverpool who managed to double their lead before halftime. Dominik Szoboszlai, benefiting from excellent teamwork, fired low past Ederson after receiving the ball from Salah. This second goal highlighted the panic setting within City's ranks, as confusion and disorganization became evident.
Going back to the first half, City's most promising chance seemed to arrive through Omar Marmoush, who had the ball rebound off the post but was deemed offside afterwards. This frustration only mounted for City as Liverpool secured their lead, which they refused to relinquish.
Half-time arrived with the score still at 2-0, and Manchester City fans were left pondering how their team would respond. A turnaround was expected, but as the second half unfolded, it became increasingly clear Liverpool's defensive strategy was sound. They absorbed the pressure effectively and looked dangerous on the counterattack.
Throughout the second half, Liverpool continued to threaten, adding to City's frustrations. Curtis Jones appeared to secure another goal for the Reds when he tapped home after Szoboszlai's clever setup, but VAR ruled it out for offside, temporarily providing relief for the home fans. The cheers of the City supporters turned to groans soon after when Marmoush couldn't convert another opportunity against Alisson.
City’s attempts for redemption saw them push forward desperately, but Liverpool was relentless, ensuring their defenses held strong. De Bruyne’s performance was widely criticized, with commentators pointing to his struggles throughout the match. The Belgian’s dip in form has been noticeable, especially when the team needed creativity and decisiveness.
Guardiola noted after the match, “We played very good. Maybe we missed more productivity in the shots but we played against a fantastic team. We could not find the next step.”
Despite Manchester City’s attacking maneuvers, they couldn't breach Liverpool's defenses, and goalkeeper Alisson remained composed throughout, making key stops to preserve their clean sheet. His impressive saves kept the scoreline intact, and the Reds adapted their strategies around counterattacks, continually threatening City’s back line.
For Liverpool's coach, Arne Slot, this victory solidified his strategic methods and their place at the top of the Premier League table. The win over City pushed Liverpool significantly clear of the pack, now just 11 points behind second-placed Arsenal. He commented on the match, acknowledging the importance of quick attacks and solid defensive structures to overcome teams like City.
The match ended with yet more frustration for City, who looked broken. Liverpool reveled in their success and showed their title ambitions plainly. City remains fourth but faced questions about their inconsistency. The defeat pressured them to reassess before their next fixture.
Looking forward, Guardiola’s side will need to regroup quickly as they are set to face Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Liverpool will seek to build on their momentum as they aim for the title.
This match not only highlighted Liverpool's superb form but also raised concerns for Manchester City as they look to regain their competitive edge in the league.