Liverpool put in a champions-like away performance to move 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
While Pep Guardiola’s side – who were without star man Erling Haaland for the seismic clash – enjoyed much of the possession in the match, their forays into the final third were largely ineffectual, as Liverpool’s backline dealt with everything that came their way.
And just 14 minutes into the match, Mohamed Salah emerged for his 30th goal in all competitions this season – firing home a deflected strike after a neat corner routine saw Dominik Szoboszlai’s deft touch tee up the Egyptian talisman.
Arne Slot’s side continued to deal with the City pressure and break forward at opportune moments, and they established daylight with a fine free-flowing move eight minutes before the break.
Goalscorer turned provider as Salah was found down the right flank, before his quick feet bought time to feed a ball inside to Szoboszlai, who stroked home past Ederson for a two-goal cushion.
Szoboszlai looked to have created a third for Liverpool just 11 minutes after the break, as he teed up Curtis Jones to tap into an empty net, but a prompt VAR review cut Liverpool’s celebrations short and gave City a lifeline.
But they failed to truly test Alisson in the opposite net, as they stuttered to yet another defeat in a tough season, as they stay fourth but are now level on points with Newcastle behind them.