Salah and Szoboszlai Shine as Reds Go 11 Points Clear with Commanding 2-0 Victory
Liverpool produced a masterclass in resilience and efficiency to secure a crucial 2-0 win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a commanding 11 points. In a match billed as a potential title decider, the Reds showcased why they are the team to beat this season, with Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai delivering the decisive blows.
From the outset, it was clear that Liverpool had come with a plan. Despite Manchester City dominating possession, as is their trademark under Pep Guardiola, the hosts struggled to break down a disciplined and determined Liverpool defense. With Erling Haaland sidelined, City lacked their usual cutting edge in the final third, and Liverpool’s backline, marshaled by Virgil van Dijk, stood firm to repel every attack.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute, courtesy of Liverpool’s Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah. A cleverly worked corner routine saw Dominik Szoboszlai flick the ball into Salah’s path, and the forward made no mistake, firing a deflected shot past Ederson for his 30th goal in all competitions this season. It was a moment of clinical precision that underscored Salah’s importance to this Liverpool side.
As City pressed for an equalizer, Liverpool remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their second goal arrived eight minutes before halftime, and it was a thing of beauty. Salah, this time turning provider, danced down the right flank before cutting the ball back to Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted it into the net to double the visitors’ advantage. The Hungarian midfielder, who has been a revelation since joining Liverpool, celebrated his goal with a mix of joy and relief, knowing how crucial it could prove in the title race.
City thought they had been handed a lifeline early in the second half when Curtis Jones tapped home from close range, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside. Despite the reprieve, Guardiola’s men failed to capitalize, with Liverpool’s defense holding firm and Alisson barely tested throughout the match.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Szoboszlai reflected on the team’s performance with pride. “We gave everything,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t have the ball, and today we were defending 30 meters from our goal, but we fought for every inch. At the end, the result is for us, and we are happy to take the three points home.”
For Manchester City, the defeat is another blow in what has been a challenging season. They remain fourth in the table, level on points with Newcastle, and now face an uphill battle to close the gap on Liverpool. Guardiola will rue the absence of Haaland and his team’s inability to convert possession into meaningful chances.
As for Liverpool, this victory sends a clear message to the rest of the league: they are not just contenders but frontrunners for the title. With Salah in scintillating form, Szoboszlai stepping up in big moments, and a defense that refuses to buckle, the Reds are firmly in the driver’s seat as the season approaches its halfway point. The Premier League trophy is within their grasp, and on this evidence, they have no intention of letting it slip.
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