Liverpool Extend Lead at Premier League Summit with Commanding 2-0 Victory Over Manchester City

Liverpool solidified their position as Premier League leaders with an emphatic 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at Anfield, extending their lead at the top of the table to nine points.

This result also marks City’s fourth consecutive league defeat, a concerning dip in form for the reigning champions.

The Reds opened the scoring early, courtesy of Cody Gakpo’s 12th-minute strike.

The goal was a product of swift counter-attacking brilliance, with Trent Alexander-Arnold delivering a pinpoint long pass to Mohamed Salah, who unselfishly set up Gakpo to finish with precision.

Under Arne Slot’s management, Liverpool dominated the first half, enjoying 53% possession and creating ten attempts on goal, four of which were on target.

In stark contrast, Manchester City struggled to find their rhythm, registering just one off-target shot during the opening 45 minutes.

While Guardiola’s side showed improvement in the second half, controlling 66% possession and testing Liverpool’s defense with two shots on target, they failed to find the back of the net.

Liverpool sealed the victory in the closing stages when Luis Diaz was fouled by Stefan Ortega inside the box.

Salah stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, doubling Liverpool’s lead and ensuring all three points stayed at Anfield.

This result underscores Liverpool’s resurgence under Slot. Since their 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in September, the Reds have remained unbeaten, amassing an impressive 34 points.

The win also places additional pressure on Arsenal, who sit nine points behind despite their 3-2 win over West Ham.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s title defense is in serious jeopardy, with the team now 11 points adrift of Liverpool.

Guardiola’s men will face Nottingham Forest midweek in what has become a must-win encounter.

The match also saw tensions flare late on, with Mohamed Salah and Bernardo Silva involved in a heated exchange. Salah’s ‘shush’ gesture toward Silva added drama to an already intense rivalry.

Liverpool’s next challenge is an away clash against Newcastle United, as they aim to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European campaigns.

For Manchester City, it’s a moment of reckoning as they strive to halt their alarming slump.

The Premier League title race is heating up, and Liverpool look determined to remain in control.