Liverpool FC defeated Manchester City 2-0 on February 23, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium, a victory which solidifies their position atop the Premier League with an 11-point lead over rivals Arsenal.
The game started brightly for Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah opening the scoring just 14 minutes after the kickoff. Salah's goal came from a well-executed set-piece routine, where he capitalized on Dominik Szoboszlai's flick from a low corner, drilling it home from close range.
Following his own goal, Salah also provided the assist for Liverpool’s second goal, scored by Szoboszlai at the 37-minute mark. This performance marked yet another stellar outing for Salah, who has now recorded 41 goal involvements this Premier League season, leaving him just six shy of the all-time English top-flight record held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
Since Pep Guardiola took charge of City, no player has scored more Premier League goals against them than Salah, who now has nine against the Sky Blues. This match also stood out as Salah notched his 11th goal-contribution game of the season, setting him apart as one of the most prolific contributors, matching Lionel Messi's remarkable 2014-15 record.
Despite the scoreline, Manchester City had their moments, registering 16 shots to Liverpool’s 8, yet they were unable to translate this pressure effectively on the scoreboard. Rather astonishingly, Liverpool managed their lowest possession percentage at 33.9% during this Premier League win, underscoring their clinical efficiency and tactical discipline.
This match represented the completion of the league double over Manchester City for Liverpool, which is no small feat. They have now achieved this rare accomplishment just three times since the Premier League was founded, previously doing so during the 2005-06 and 2015-16 seasons.
The significance of the victory cannot be overstated; Liverpool's triumphant return to form provides them with substantial momentum as they march toward potential title glory. At the same time, it exacerbates Manchester City's struggles this season. Already eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid, City now find themselves grappling with their distant position on the league table.
Guardiola's side, once renowned for their dominance, continues to experience highs and lows this season and this defeat adds to the pressure on their manager, who has now suffered 10 losses against Liverpool—more than any other opponent during his tenure.
For Liverpool, this win not only boosts their title chances but it also showcases their squad's depth and determination under the guidance of manager Arne Slot. The partnership between Szoboszlai and Salah continues to yield fantastic results, providing Liverpool fans with hope for the rest of the season.
Looking forward, the title race appears leaning heavily in Liverpool's favor, with many now viewing them as the champions-elect. Arsenal's faltering form post their defeat to West Ham effectively puts their title aspirations on life support, leaving many to ponder whether another trophy could be returning to Merseyside this season.
With only 11 games left to play, Salah’s remarkable form will be pivotal as Liverpool seeks to leverage this opportunity and take back the Premier League trophy after last hoisting it at the end of the 2019-20 season.