Liverpool made significant strides toward securing the English Premier League title following their 2-0 victory over defending champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, February 23, 2025. This match, part of the 26th round of the Premier League, saw Liverpool demonstrating their championship ambitions against one of their fiercest rivals.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool just 14 minutes after kickoff, showcasing his elite finishing ability. He later provided a brilliant assist to Dominik Szoboszlai, who doubled Liverpool's lead with another goal at the 37-minute mark. This performance solidified Salah's status as not only one of the team’s key players but also as the top scorer this season, now standing at 24 goals.
The victory is especially sweet for Liverpool as it marks their first triumph at the Etihad since 2015, ending City’s stronghold at home. Salah, after the match, expressed his delight, stating, "It’s special to win here, this team has won the title the past four years and it’s tough to beat them at their ground." His words reflect both respect for their opponent and the confidence bolstered by the win.
Despite the clear scoreline, the match had its tense moments. Notably, City forward Omar Marmoush appeared to have scored for the hosts just before halftime, but his goal was ruled out after VAR intervened to call it offside. This disallowed goal was pivotal, as it might have shifted the momentum back to the home side, but Liverpool held firm and continued to press forward.
With this latest victory, Liverpool climbed to 64 points, firmly occupying the top of the Premier League table with an 11-point lead over Arsenal. They have firmly established themselves as title contenders this season, riding on the success of Salah and the team’s overall form.
On the other hand, Manchester City, who were once thought to be championship favorites, now sit fourth with 44 points, trailing behind teams they are expected to outpace. Manager Pep Guardiola faced criticism following their earlier elimination from the UEFA Champions League, and now the pressure mounts as his side struggles to keep pace with Liverpool and Arsenal. City fans will be eager for their team to rebound as they move forward, but the defeat underscored the challenge of replacing star striker Erling Haaland, who was sidelined due to injury.
The match showcased the rich history of rivalry between the two teams, with past encounters often filled with drama and high stakes. Historically, clashes between Liverpool and City have produced thrilling football—evident by the palpable tension at the Etihad, compounded by the fact both teams have been at the forefront of English football.
Salah's performance continues to be instrumental not only for Liverpool but also as he seeks to secure more accolades to cement his legacy at the club. He emphasized the team's need to remain composed, saying, "We have to stay calm and focus on our next matches. We’re determined to win the title and hope we achieve this goal." These remarks encapsulate the mindset required to navigate the remaining games with the championship at stake.
Looking ahead, Liverpool is scheduled to face Newcastle United next, where they will aim to extend their impressive run as they forge toward the season finish line. Meanwhile, Manchester City will need to regroup and devise strategies to get back on winning terms. Fans will be watching closely as both teams navigate the final few matches of this thrilling Premier League campaign.