New Delhi: In a clash between the league leaders and the defending champions, it was the former that came out on top in a match that blew the hosts completely out of the water. Manchester City welcomed table toppers Liverpool in a crucial encounter for both sides but were dealt a huge blow before the game even began as star forwards Erling Haaland was ruled out of the clash due to an injury he picked up last weekend.
The two teams locked horns at the Etihad Stadium and it were the hosts that started brightly, looking to make use of the home advantage and impose themselves early on. However, they were undone in the 14th minute by a brilliantly worked Liverpool corner routine. Instead of a conventional delivery, Alex Mac Allister played it short to Dominik Szoboszlai, who instinctively laid it off to Mohamed Salah inside the box. The Egyptian forward, as he has done so often, took his opportunity with conviction, firing home via a deflection for his 30th goal of the season.
Despite taking the lead, Liverpool spent much of the first half without the ball, as City pushed forward in search of an equalizer. The hosts believed they had found it when Omar Marmoush slotted past Alisson, but the linesman’s flag quickly ruled it out for offside, keeping Liverpool’s advantage intact. City continued to dominate possession, but the Reds stood firm defensively, waiting for the right moment to strike again.
Liverpool go ELEVEN points clear of Arsenal 👋 pic.twitter.com/LEZiOX38wI
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 23, 2025
That moment arrived in the 37th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precise pass sent Salah racing down the right flank. The forward, already full of confidence, turned provider this time, curling in an inch-perfect ball to Szoboszlai, who kept his composure and calmly finished past Ederson to make it 2-0. With a two-goal lead at half-time, Liverpool entered the second half in full control, knowing that defensive solidity would be key to securing a huge victory.
They had seemingly extended their lead further when Curtis Jones found the net around the 60th minute mark, but Szoboszlai had been marginally offside in the build-up. Regardless, Liverpool never looked troubled, their disciplined shape frustrating City at every turn. Luis Díaz came close with a strike from the edge of the box, but Ederson was equal to it. Meanwhile, Szoboszlai had a chance to grab his second of the game, only for his shot to drift narrowly wide.
As the clock ticked down, Liverpool’s focus was purely on maintaining their defensive structure, seeing the game out in professional fashion. With their win sealing a league double over the defending champions, Liverpool took a commanding step towards the Premier League title, extending their lead at the top of the table to 11 points. Having already been handed a boost by Arsenal’s shock defeat to West Ham, Arne Slot’s side capitalized in ruthless fashion, delivering a composed and clinical performance against the reigning champions, who now find themselves slipping further behind in the title race.
Player of the Match
📊 | Mohamed Salah vs Man City:
• Goals – 1 (🎖️)
• Assists – 1 (🎖️)
• Accurate Passes – 20/27 (74%)
• Chances Created – 3 (🎖️)
• Big Chances Created – 1 (🎖️)
• Successful Dribbles – 3/4 (75%)
• Final 3rd Passes – 2
• Tackles Won – 2/3 (67%)
• Recoveries – 3
• Ground… pic.twitter.com/kHSbtrCgxL— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) February 23, 2025
Mohamed Salah once again proved why he is Liverpool’s talisman, delivering a match-winning performance. The Egyptian was at the heart of everything good for the Reds, opening the scoring with a clever finish from a well-worked corner before turning provider with a perfectly weighted assist for Dominik Szoboszlai. Beyond his direct goal contributions, Salah was a constant threat, as he created three chances and took 10 touches inside City’s penalty box, showing his relentless attacking presence. His 48 touches and 74% pass accuracy highlighted his involvement in build-up play, ensuring Liverpool remained dangerous whenever they went forward.
Salah’s impact wasn’t just limited to the attacking third; he also put in a strong defensive shift, winning 67% of his tackles and recovering possession three times. He battled hard in duels, winning eight, and played with his trademark intensity to disrupt City’s rhythm. His ability to deliver in the biggest moments once again set him apart, and his all-round contribution made him the clear standout performer. In a game of such significance, Salah’s quality shone through, guiding Liverpool to a vital victory that strengthens their grip on the Premier League title.
Liverpool travelled to the Etihad in the hopes of completing a league double over defending champions Manchester City and were able to achieve their goal thanks to an inspiring performance from star man Mo Salah. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
