Liverpool tightened their vice-like grip on this season’s Premier League title as they extended their lead to 11 points with a comfortable victory at Manchester City.
The leaders had already seen their position strengthened when Arsenal lost at home to West Ham on Saturday, before moving into what looks like an unassailable position with a superb display against the fallen reigning champions.
City opened brightly but were caught cold by a clever Liverpool corner routine after 14 minutes, Mohamed Salah scoring his 30th goal of the season after Dominik Szoboszlai played Alex Mac Allister’s delivery into his path.
Salah repaid the compliment eight minutes before the break, playing in a perfectly weighted delivery for Szoboszlai to calmly finish low past City keeper Ederson.
Liverpool were able to close out a hugely significant win without any alarms in the second half, content to protect the advantage they had established in the first 45 minutes.
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Liverpool are in the form and mood to wrap up a 20th English title after a commanding, ruthless performance to sink the side who have been their closest Premier League rivals for so long.
City find themselves in reduced circumstances with an ageing squad and injuries to key players such as Rodri, John Stones and Erling Haaland, but Liverpool’s dominance was a powerful statement that they have no intention of squandering their position.
Etihad Stadium has not been a happy place for them in recent seasons, Liverpool winning only one of their previous 15 league games there, but the destiny of the points was never in serious doubt once Salah gave them that early lead.
It was inevitable that Salah would spearhead Liverpool in this crucial game as he racked up more incredible numbers. The first goal meant Salah has scored 30 or more goals in five separate seasons for Liverpool, a record he shares with Roger Hunt and Ian Rush.
Szoboszlai was his partner in goals here, the Hungarian giving a powerful display of running from midfield, with captain Virgil van Dijk imperious as he held it all together at the back.
Liverpool were efficiency personified, demonstrating how they have flourished under Slot this season while his City counterpart Pep Guardiola faces a huge rebuilding job.
Slot is too composed to call it, but with Liverpool holding an 11-point lead and having only lost one league game so far this season, he can surely sense the finishing line, even with 11 games left.
Guardiola stood rain-soaked and powerless as Liverpool inflicted more pain on his champions in this season of suffering.
Guardiola’s problems continue to pile up with indifferent form, heavy injuries and a once great squad that has been allowed to grow too old together.
The manner in which City were dismissed by Real Madrid in the play-off to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, then were then dealt with in such comfort by Liverpool, means this has all the hallmarks of a watershed week as Guardiola plots his rebuild.
It was a poignant moment when James McAtee replaced Kevin de Bruyne after 67 minutes, the great Belgian afforded a standing ovation despite struggling to exert influence.
It was perhaps a recognition that City fans may not have too many more opportunities to demonstrate their appreciation for a player who has served them so magnificently.
It all means Guardiola and City have to adjust their sights downwards for the remainder of the season, trying to ensure they are in the Champions League next season while attempt to salvage such a disappointing campaign in the FA Cup.
