Liverpool's captain led by example, prolific attackers did the rest as Arne Slot's men put the champs to sword at Anfield
Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo secured Liverpool a dominant 2-0 win over Manchester City to put real daylight between them and their Premier League title rivals.
The hosts began the game all guns blazing, running City's defence ragged and testing goalkeeper Stefan Ortega at every opportunity. Virgil van Dijk was a whisker away from giving the Reds the lead in the 12th minute, only for his header to crash against the post and away to safety.
Mere moments later, Salah fizzed in a tantalising pass and Gakpo was on hand to tap home as Liverpool smelt blood. City improved after the 20-minute mark, but Trent Alexander-Arnold nearly made it 2-0 when his fierce drive glanced the outside of the post.
The visitors, who lacked a threat out wide and had just one shot on goal to Liverpool's 10 in the first half, grew into the contest, but it should have been game over when Salah was put through on goal before the hour mark, only for the Egyptian to inexplicably fire over the crossbar.
Alexander-Arnold and Gakpo forced Ortega into smart stops before Salah settled the game in the 78th minute after converting the penalty Luis Diaz won following Ortega's foul. The result sends Liverpool nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal and a whopping 11 ahead of defending champions City.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Caoimhin Kelleher (7/10):
Was a virtual spectator in the first half and will probably not have many more quieter games than this one. However, he made a great stop to deny De Bruyne near the end.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (8/10):
Was spraying absolutely ridiculous long-range passes for fun and on another day, could have grabbed a couple of goals. Was top notch at both ends of the pitch.
Joe Gomez (8/10):
In for the injured Konate, the versatile defender looked solid at the back – but was helped by the colossal Van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk (9/10):
Was a towering presence from set pieces and could have had a headed hat-trick inside the opening hour. He also won the battle with Erling Haaland with ease in a dominant performance.
Andrew Robertson (8/10):
Showed plenty of energy bombing up and down the left flank. Nearly bagged an assist of the season contender, only for Gakpo's subsequent shot to be saved.
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Ryan Gravenberch (7/10):
Did his fair share of dirty work in the centre of the park and showed off his sweeping skills once again.
Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):
Looked calm and composed in midfield, with plenty of classy touches. Helped the team tick over nicely.
Dominik Szoboszlai (8/10):
Started with a real skip in his step as his shooting was accurate and his balls into the box were menacing. Was an attacking threat all game.
AFPAttack
Mohamed Salah (8/10):
Bagged another delightful assist to set up Gakpo but missed a glorious chance early in the second half to put the game to bed. After missing a penalty against Real Madrid, he made no mistake against City to make it 2-0.
Luis Diaz (7/10):
Was the quietest of Liverpool's frontline for the first 45, but won his side a crucial penalty late on, which Salah converted.
Cody Gakpo (9/10):
Stretched City's defence and was in the right place at the right time to give his team the lead. Showed great pace and driving runs in an excellent display.
AFPSubs & Manager
Darwin Nunez (7/10):
Was energetic and effective when he came off the bench.
Jarell Quansah (7/10):
Was brought on at right-back and made some good driving runs on the right wing.
Curtis Jones (7/10):
Forced a good save from Ortega when introduced.
Harvey Elliott (N/A):
Made his long-awaited return from injury.
Arne Slot (8/10):
His team were irresistible in the game's opening quarter, and although their intensity waned somewhat, Liverpool deservedly won the game. Choosing Gakpo over Nunez worked; highlighting how the Dutchman can do no wrong right now.
