Mohamed Salah conjured up a goal and assist as Liverpool defeated Premier League title rivals Manchester City 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for Arne Slot’s men in the 12th minute as the Reds dominated the first-half against the current top-flight champions.
Pep Guardiola’s side improved after the break but were not able to pull level as Salah’s goal from the penalty spot secured a massive three points.
The result means Premier League leaders Liverpool now have 34 points and are nine points clear of Arsenal and Chelsea at the top of the table.
City, meanwhile, are now under massive pressure having gone seven games without a win in all competitions. They are now fifth in the table on 23 points, 11 behind Liverpool.
Here’s how it all unfolded…
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How does the Premier League table look?
Liverpool heading for the title?
Liverpool are now nine points clear at the top of the Premier League; their biggest margin as leaders in the competition since the final day of the 2019-20 campaign, when they won their last title (18).
Man City continue historic downfall
Manchester City have lost four consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since August 2008. Meanwhile, this is the first time in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career that he has lost four consecutive league matches. Uncharted.
Salah equals Rooney record
Mohamed Salah has scored and assisted in a Premier League game for the 36th time; the joint-most by a player in the competition’s history, equalling Wayne Rooney’s record (36).
FULL TIME: Liverpool 2-0 Man City
A Mohamed Salah masterclass – with the Egyptian providing a goal and assist – gets the job done for Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s men have defeated Manchester City 2-0. That’s massive.
Less than 10 minutes of normal time
With Salah’s 78-minute goal, there is not long for Man City to get back into this game.
We’re into the last 10 minutes of normal time. Pep Guardiola’s side need a miracle now.
GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Man City
Game, set and match.
Mohamed Salah scores from the penalty spot and Liverpool now lead Man City 2-0. Brilliant composure from the Egyptian and he slots it home with confidence and quality.
‘It’s fully deserved for Liverpool and that may have just put Manchester City to bed,’ football pundit Gary Neville told Sky Sports.
PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL!
Ortega wipes out Diaz and it’s a stonewall spot kick for Liverpool. Huge roar from the Anfield crowd as they look to put this game to bed.
Man City improvements
Manchester City have had 70 per cent possession so far in the second half, compared to 47 per cent in the first 45 minutes.
Chance for Gakpo
Gakpo has a brilliant opportunity but his powerful shot goes straight into the hands of Ortega. Liverpool badly need this second goal.
Chance for Salah
Another chance for Salah goes missing as the Liverpool superstar fires an effort high and wide. All these missed chances are surely installing belief for Man City that they can get something here.
Man City pushing
They still trail 1-0, but Man City are playing much better football in this second half…
Chance for Salah
WOW. It should be 2-0. Massive miss from Salah with only the goalkeeper to beat. Liverpool still lead 1-0 against Man City as we approach the hour mark.
Man City improving
City are starting to find their feet here with 55 minutes played. They badly needed to go up a level after a dismal first-half. Can they pull level?
Chance for Van Dijk
Van Dijk’s third big chance of the afternoon… The Dutchman has missed the target again with a header.
Chance for Gakpo
Gakpo goes close to making it 2-0 for Liverpool on a fast counter-attack – only to be stopped by a world-class block from Nunes!
Back underway
The second half has just started here at Anfield. No changes from either manager. Liverpool still lead Man City 1-0.
‘Liverpool have been outstanding in first half’
Football pundit Dion Dublin, speaking on the BBC, said: ‘Liverpool have been outstanding in every department.
‘There’s lots of energy, their squeeze has been great – they have been flawless.
‘The problem Liverpool have it’s 1-0 and City are still in the game.’
Pep Guardiola to make half-time changes?
Football pundit Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, said: ‘If Pep changes anything at half-time, it has to be the wide players.
‘He needs more pace. At the moment, it doesn’t look like City are going to score.
‘There are plenty of options and the mystery of De Bruyne being on the bench continues.’
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