Gakpo and Salah strike to hand Reds a commanding 11-point lead over the defending champions
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to a stunning 11 points after securing a 2-0 win over defending champions Manchester City, thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.
Fresh off a huge victory against Real Madrid midweek, Arne Slot’s side knew a win against their title rivals would give them a significant advantage in the race for the league crown. The Reds started the match with energy and intensity, creating early chances, including a header from Virgil van Dijk that struck the woodwork.
It wasn’t long before Liverpool got their reward. In the 12th minute, Salah delivered a perfect ball into the box, which was calmly finished by Gakpo to give Liverpool the lead. Van Dijk, a towering presence at both ends of the pitch, came close again when he sent a header just over the bar as the hosts continued to dominate possession and play.
City struggled to get into the game, with their first effort on goal coming only in the 39th minute when Rico Lewis shot off-target. The visitors looked increasingly frustrated as Liverpool’s defensive solidity kept them at bay, with just one shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
In the second half, Salah had a chance to seal the game early but blazed over from a one-on-one situation. Despite City showing some signs of belief, they never managed to seriously threaten Liverpool’s goal. The game was effectively put to bed 12 minutes from time when City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega fouled Luis Diaz in the box, and Salah stepped up to calmly convert the penalty.
With the win, Liverpool now sit nine points clear of second-place Arsenal and 11 points ahead of fifth-place Manchester City. Their next challenge comes with away trips to Newcastle United and Everton as they look to maintain their impressive form.
For City, it’s a worrying run of form with four consecutive Premier League defeats. They will need to turn things around quickly, starting with a home match against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.
Salah’s brilliant assist for Gakpo and his cool finish from the penalty spot were pivotal in securing the victory. The Egyptian forward now has 11 Premier League goals this season, many of which have been crucial to Liverpool’s rise to the top. Despite his excellent form, rumors continue to swirl about his future, with Salah hinting he could leave the club next summer without a new contract in place.
Meanwhile, City will be left to wonder what they would give for a forward like Salah to complement their prolific striker, Erling Haaland, who has struggled to make an impact against Liverpool’s resolute defense.
Player of the Match: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Van Dijk delivered one of the best performances of his career, keeping Haaland and the City attack firmly in check. His defensive dominance was crucial to Liverpool’s clean sheet, and he also threatened from set-pieces, with his header crashing against the post.
Player Ratings
Liverpool: Kelleher 8, Alexander-Arnold 8, Gomez 7, Van Dijk 8, Robertson 7, Gravenberch 7, Mac Allister 7, Salah 8, Szoboszlai 7, Diaz 7, Gakpo 7.
Subs: Elliott 6, Jones 6, Nunez 6, Quansah 6.
Manchester City: Ortega 8, Walker 6, Dias 6, Akanji 7, Ake 7, Lewis 7, Gundogan 7, Silva 6, Foden 7, Nunes 6, Haaland 6.
Subs: De Bruyne 6, Doku 7, Grealish 6, Savinho 6.
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