Salah-inspired Liverpool outclass Man City to move within sight of the title
Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive, scoring his 30th goal of the season before assisting Dominik Szoboszlai to double the lead before half-time.
Liverpool moved a step closer to the Premier League title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Manchester City on 25 February 2025, extending their lead at the top to 11 points over Arsenal.
Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive, scoring his 30th goal of the season before assisting Dominik Szoboszlai to double the lead before half-time.
The win came just days after Liverpool's Champions League exit to Real Madrid, but they showed no signs of faltering as they capitalised on Arsenal's shock 1-0 defeat to West Ham a day earlier. This result leaves Pep Guardiola's side 20 points adrift of the leaders, effectively ending their hopes of a fifth consecutive league title.
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Liverpool have often fallen short in their battles with City during Guardiola's reign, but under Arne Slot, they now appear poised to match Manchester United's record of 20 English top-flight titles.
The visitors wasted little time asserting themselves, with Salah opening the scoring in the 14th minute after a well-executed set-piece. Alexis Mac Allister's corner was flicked on by Szoboszlai, and Salah's strike deflected off Nathan Aké, leaving Ederson helpless.
City thought they had equalised when Omar Marmoush found the net after being played through by Phil Foden, but the Egyptian was ruled offside. Jeremy Doku caused problems for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the flank but lacked the final product to trouble Liverpool's defence.
Liverpool remained clinical, and Salah soon turned provider, latching onto a long ball before squaring for Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted past Ederson.
The scoreline could have been even more emphatic after the break. Curtis Jones had a third goal ruled out by VAR for offside, while Ederson produced a stunning save to deny Luis Díaz. Abdukodir Khusanov's last-ditch tackle also prevented Szoboszlai from adding another.
City enjoyed nearly 70% possession but lacked the cutting edge, with Marmoush flashing an effort across Alisson Becker's goal. It was a stark reminder of how much they missed Erling Haaland's presence in attack.
Despite an eighth league defeat this season, City remain fourth and are well-placed to secure Champions League football, with a top-five finish likely to suffice. However, after years of dominance, they now appear a fading force, while Liverpool edge ever closer to reclaiming the crown.
