Liverpool sent a resounding statement to the rest of the Premier League with a clinical 2-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025.
The win not only silenced Pep Guardiola’s men on home turf but also extended Liverpool’s lead at the summit to a commanding 11 points, solidifying their status as title front runners.
The Reds wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just 14 minutes in, Mohamed Salah, the league’s top scorer, struck once again. His shot, following a well-drilled corner routine, took a wicked deflection off Nathan Ake before nestling into the back of the net. The early breakthrough stunned City and set the tone for the rest of the encounter.
Liverpool refused to take their foot off the gas, and in the 37th minute, Salah turned provider. Spotting an unmarked Dominik Szoboszlai in the box, the Egyptian delivered a pinpoint pass, and the Hungarian midfielder coolly slotted the ball past Ederson to double the visitors’ lead.
Despite Manchester City dominating possession with 66%, they were toothless in attack, struggling to break down a Liverpool defense that was disciplined and unyielding. The absence of Erling Haaland due to a knee injury was glaring, as Guardiola’s side lacked a focal point in the final third. Their frustrations grew as Liverpool’s backline, led by the imperious Virgil van Dijk, repelled every City surge with ease.
For City, this defeat adds to an increasingly turbulent campaign, with the reigning champions now shifting their focus to securing a top-four finish rather than mounting a title challenge. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s relentless consistency under Jurgen Klopp has them cruising toward Premier League glory. With each passing game, the dream of lifting the trophy becomes ever more real for the red half of Merseyside.
