With a 2-0 loss at Anfield on December 1, Liverpool increased their lead at the top of the Premier League by nine points, while Man City predicament grew worse.
Key Moments in Liverpool Victory
The Reds’ dominance in the first half was somewhat alleviated by Gakpo’s goal in the 12th minute, and Salah’s penalty gave them their 18th win in 20 games under Slot.
Man City Recent Struggles
The team is currently 11 points behind the dominant leaders, sitting in fifth place and has not won in their last seven matches, with six of those resulting in losses.
Arsenal and Chelsea are the nearest rivals to Liverpool, while it seems that City is poised to relinquish their title as English champions after achieving an extraordinary four consecutive victories.
The sole point attained by the city since October 26 felt almost like a loss, as they squandered a 3-0 advantage in the last 15 mins, resulting in a 3-3 draw with Feyenoord during the UEFA Champions League match earlier this week.
Guardiola Tactical Changes
Pep Guardiola responded by benching the goalkeeper Ederson and reintroducing Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias to the defence.
However, the reigning champions did not react as they were overwhelmed in the early phases.
Ortega had to make outstanding saves against Gakpo and Szoboszlai before van Dijk smashed a header off the post.
The team struggled to escape their own half during the first quarter, and the goal eventually came when Gakpo tucked away Salah’s inviting cross to the far post.
Virgil van Dijk narrowly missed another significant headed opportunity, as Liverpool kept creating chances.
Dominance at Anfield
Even in City’s best seasons with Guardiola, they have found it challenging to manage the influence of the Anfield crowd.
The only away victory for City against Liverpool since 2003 occurred during the 2021/22 season, which was affected by the coronavirus, and took place without fans in attendance.
Man City Missed Opportunities
Guardiola’s team was able to stop the decline by maintaining some ball control as the first half was coming to a close, and Rico Lewis narrowly missed their first shot on goal.
The city began the second period in a more favorable manner, yet they ought to have faced punishment multiple times during counter-attacks.
1st, after an incredible pass from Robertson played Gakpo in, Ortega hurried off his line to block.
Securing the Win
Salah subsequently misfired a one-on-one opportunity against the German goalkeeper, sending the shot over the bar, much to the dismay of the majority of the 60,000 spectators.
A turnover in their half ultimately led to City conceding the important second goal.
Diaz stole the ball from Walker and powered forward until he was stopped by Ortega.
Salah missed the target with his penalty during Wednesday’s 2-0 victory in the Champions League against Real Madrid.
Salah 13th goal of the season found the bottom of the net, capping off an amazing week for Liverpool.
In the second half, Guardiola brought on De Bruyne, Savinho, Jack Grealish, and Jeremy Doku in an effort to salvage a point.
Man City Overreliance on Haaland
Man City dependence on Haaland for scoring was again clear, as Virgil van Dijk effectively kept him contained throughout the match, showcasing his dominance until a late moment of distraction nearly allowed Man City to score a consolation goal.
Kevin De Bruyne received the ball from him, but Kelleher, who had never lost, was too strong.
Guardiola Under Pressure
Guardiola faced mockery with chants of “you’ll be dismissed in the morning” during the final moments.
The City manager reacted by holding up six fingers, representing his Premier League title victories over the last seven seasons.
However, similar to his team, Guardiola is relying on the past achievements of what they once were, while Liverpool seems to be pulling away from City this season.
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