It appears the English Premier League (EPL) title race might be over as Liverpool eased to a convincing 2-0 win over reigning champions Manchester City to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points.
This follows Arsenal capitulation against West Ham on Saturday. Arne Slot’s ruthless Reds seized their opportunity to stretch the gap even further in their pursuit of a first title since 2019-20.
“It is all over,” concluded Sky Sports’ Roy Keane. “Manchester City have been amazing last few years but you’re looking at Liverpool as the new champions.”
READ ALSO: EPL: Why Arsenal May Still Catch Up With Liverpool- Neville
“Beating Manchester City home and away is as big a statement as you can make,” said Jamie Carragher.
The game was changed by two moments of first-half brilliance: a creative set-piece finished by Mohamed Salah and a precise low strike from Dominik Szoboszlai, teed up by Salah – his 40th goal contribution of the season.
Mo Salah has now scored and assisted in 11 Premier League matches this season, the most by a player in a single season in one of Europe’s big five leagues since Lionel Messi for Barcelona in 2014-15.
READ ALSO: Shock As Liverpool, Tottenham Crash Out Of FA Cup
City caused untold problems out wide as Jeremy Doku, completing a staggering 13 dribbles, was a menace all game, but had no focal point and even less threat with Erling Haalnd missing through injury. Their domestic reign looks to be meeting a rather unceremonious end.
Pep Guardiola’s side finished the weekend 20 points shy of the league leaders to underline their startling decline, the furthest they have been from the top of the table since July 2020. Qualification for next year’s Champions League is now their relatively modest aim.
The visiting Liverpool fans chanted about winning the league throughout the game. When victory was sealed they stayed behind to bellow out “we shall not be moved”. After such a compelling win over a once-formidable opponent, that statement is as close as it has ever been to reality. Liverpool are unlikely to be dislodged from such a position of power. They barely look like blinking.
