Hardwood timber
December 01, (THEWILL) – Liverpool extended their English Premier League lead to 11 points with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Anfield, exposing the defending champions’ current vulnerabilities.
The match saw Cody Gakpo open the scoring with a clinical finish before Mohamed Salah sealed the result with a penalty in the final stages of the encounter.
The home side dominated proceedings from the outset, creating numerous opportunities that underscored their tactical superiority.
Stefan Ortega, filling in for the dropped Ederson, faced constant pressure as Liverpool’s attacking trio of Salah, Gakpo, and Luis Diaz consistently threatened City’s defense. Virgil van Dijk came close early on, striking the woodwork with a powerful header that signalled Liverpool’s intent.
Pep Guardiola’s team struggled to generate meaningful attacking momentum, managing their first shot only in the 39th minute – a statistic that highlighted their current struggles.
The result marks City’s fourth consecutive league defeat, a scenario unseen since August 2008, and represents the longest winless run in Guardiola’s managerial career across all competitions.
Liverpool’s victory further solidifies their position at the top of the EPL table, now nine points clear of Arsenal.
The performance was an exhibition of their clinical efficiency, with Salah converting a late penalty after Luis Diaz was brought down by Ortega, completing a comprehensive victory that sends a strong message to their title rivals.
The match not only represents a significant tactical triumph for Liverpool but also potentially marks a turning point in this season’s title race.
Arne Slot’s team has now defeated the champions of England, Spain, and Germany at Anfield, underlining their status as serious contenders for multiple trophies this season.
Author Profile
Jude Obafemi, THEWILL
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.