Liverpool got their first win in a decade over Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.
Image credit: Sky Sports Premier League
Mohamed Salah was the star of the show, scoring and assisting as Arne Slot’s men silenced the reigning champions in their own backyard.
Salah and Szoboszlai Deliver as Liverpool Go 11 Points Clear
The highly anticipated clash saw Liverpool showcase their title credentials in emphatic fashion.
Salah’s deflected strike in the 14th minute gave the Reds an early lead, and just before halftime, the Egyptian set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a composed finish, sealing Liverpool’s first Premier League win at the Etihad since 2015.
Manchester City, without the injured Erling Haaland, struggled to break through Liverpool’s resilient defense. Despite some promising moments, Pep Guardiola’s side never truly looked like mounting a comeback.
Mo Salah home and away 🆚 Manchester City 👏 pic.twitter.com/9aMvluveNT
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 23, 2025
Liverpool’s victory extends their lead at the top of the table to 11 points, with Arsenal trailing after their defeat to West Ham.
Meanwhile, City remain fourth in what has been a challenging title defense.
How the Match Unfolded
City started brightly, with Rico Lewis playing a key role in midfield. However, Curtis Jones pounced on a loose ball, setting up Luis Díaz to win a corner.
From the resulting set-piece, Szoboszlai’s clever flick found Salah, whose first-time shot deflected off Nathan Aké and into the net.
Omar Marmoush thought he had equalized with a brilliant finish, only for VAR to rule him offside.
Liverpool soon doubled their lead when Salah’s pace and strength saw him get the better of Josko Gvardiol before laying it off for Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted home.
Szoboszlai nearly turned provider again in the second half, setting up Jones for what would have been Liverpool’s third, but the goal was disallowed after a tight offside call.
Alisson was called into action to deny Marmoush’s long-range effort, but City struggled to find a breakthrough.
In the closing stages, substitute Abdukodir Khusanov made a last-ditch block to prevent Szoboszlai from adding to Liverpool’s tally.
Magnificent Salah Leads Liverpool’s Title Charge
At 32, Salah remains as influential as ever for Liverpool. With his future at the club uncertain, he continues to deliver match-winning performances.
He was instrumental in Liverpool’s attack from the start, leaving Aké trailing with his explosive pace down the right flank.
His goal may have had an element of fortune due to the deflection, but his precision and quick reaction made it count.
His assist for Szoboszlai was equally impressive—using his strength to hold off Gvardiol before delivering a perfectly weighted pass.
Mohamed Salah has already contributed to 50 goals this season… Ballon d'Or 🔜❓ pic.twitter.com/ipz7QSXxm5
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 23, 2025
Salah’s performance brings his goal contribution tally for the season to 41, just seven short of breaking the all-time Premier League record held by Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole.
While Salah was the standout, Liverpool’s collective effort was just as crucial.
Virgil van Dijk commanded the defense, Curtis Jones provided relentless energy in midfield, and Szoboszlai contributed directly to both goals.
With Arsenal faltering, and Liverpool gaining momentum, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see the Gunners closing the gap.
Haaland’s Absence Felt by City
City’s talisman Erling Haaland watched from the stands, unable to play due to an injury sustained in last week’s win over Newcastle.
His absence was deeply felt, as City lacked a focal point in attack despite Jeremy Doku’s lively display on the wing.
Doku repeatedly got the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold and delivered dangerous crosses, but without Haaland, City lacked the cutting edge to convert their chances.
Marmoush, who starred in City’s last match with a hat-trick, showed flashes of brilliance but was ultimately denied by the offside flag.
Guardiola will now need to rally his squad as they shift their focus to upcoming fixtures, starting with a tough away trip to Tottenham.
What the Managers Said
Pep Guardiola:
If you lose, you have to lose the way we lost today. I saw many things that show this club has a bright future with the players we have. Except Kevin De Bruyne and maybe Nathan Aké, all the players are so, so young. What the club decides next for the future, there is a bright future for this club in the next years.
Arne Slot:
Three days ago, we had a draw at Villa and people told me we weren’t in a good place, and then three days later we won and it changes again. We work every single day to achieve this, and it is three months of very hard work to maintain this.
Did You Know?
- Manchester City have conceded the opening goal 12 times this season, equaling their worst record in a single campaign under Guardiola.
- Liverpool have completed the Premier League double over City for the first time since 2015/16.
- Liverpool’s 11-point lead at the top is their largest since the 2019/20 season, when they last won the title.
What’s Next? Upcoming Fixtures
Manchester City
- Feb 26 – Tottenham (A)
- Mar 8 – Nottingham Forest (A)
- Mar 15 – Brighton (H)
- Apr 2 – Leicester (H)
- Apr 5 – Manchester United (A)
Liverpool
- Feb 26 – Newcastle (H)
- Mar 8 – Southampton (H)
- Apr 2 – Everton (H)
- Apr 5 – Fulham (A)
- Apr 12 – West Ham (H)
Final Thoughts
Liverpool’s emphatic victory at the Etihad Stadium sends a strong message to the rest of the league.
With Salah in unstoppable form, Van Dijk marshalling the defense, and Slot proving to be a shrewd tactician, the Reds are now in pole position to reclaim the title.
Meanwhile, City’s title hopes seem to be fading. Without Haaland, they lacked the clinical edge needed to challenge Liverpool. Guardiola now faces a crucial few weeks to get his side back on track and ensure they secure a top-four finish.
For Liverpool fans, however, the dream of another Premier League triumph feels closer than ever.