Liverpool’s emphatic win at the Etihad Stadium was a statement victory.
Questions have lingered over whether they were starting to wobble. Too many draws. Not enough dominance. Anxiety was supposedly creeping in.
However, at the home of the reigning champions, Arne Slot’s side dismissed those doubts with an assured performance.
This was a Liverpool team in complete control. They pressed, they defended, they punished. They were ruthless.
Mohamed Salah was the centrepiece once again. His first-half goal put Liverpool ahead. His assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s second sealed the game. His impact cannot be overstated.
Thirty goals and 21 assists in 38 appearances this season tell their own story. “The numbers speak for themselves,” Slot said. “Every time he gets the ball in a dangerous position, he is a threat.”
By contrast, Man City looked subdued. The energy, precision and relentless drive that has defined their dominance was missing. Without Erling Braut Haaland, their attack lacked bite.
Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush were deployed centrally, but Liverpool’s defensive structure held firm. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk were commanding. There was no way through.
Even when City had their moments, Liverpool stayed composed. Curtis Jones thought he had made it 3-0, only for VAR to intervene.
Luis Diaz tested Ederson. But Liverpool did not need more goals to make their point. This was a side that knew exactly what they needed to do.
“If you play away at the Etihad and win, it is always a big win,” Slot added. “We knew we had to defend a lot, and we did it really well.”
With an 11-point lead over Arsenal, Liverpool’s position is strong. In any other league, this would feel decisive. In the Premier League, nothing is guaranteed.
Slot refused to be drawn into title talk. “We are in a good position,” he admitted. “But this league is different. Every single game is a challenge.”
Their next test comes against Newcastle United. They have already drawn 3-3 at St James’ Park this season, and there will be no complacency.
Liverpool have control of the title race. They are not looking back.
