Liverpool seized their chance to put daylight between themselves and the faltering Premier League champions Manchester City, securing a commanding 2-0 victory at Anfield that left City’s title defence hanging by a thread. With an 11-point gap now separating the two teams, City’s grip on their crown already looks to be slipping in early December.
The highly anticipated clash, often a showpiece event on the Premier League calendar, lived up to its billing, though this time it was Liverpool who dominated from start to finish. Cody Gakpo set the tone for the afternoon, firing the hosts into an early lead after a precise attacking move that left City chasing shadows.
Pep Guardiola, the target of taunts from the Anfield crowd with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” responded by gesturing toward City’s six league titles under his stewardship. However, the reigning champions looked far from their usual selves, appearing disjointed and sluggish against a Liverpool side clicking in every department.
The first half could have been even worse for Guardiola’s men. Virgil van Dijk rattled the post with a free header, while Stefan Ortega, starting ahead of Ederson, was kept busy denying Dominik Szoboszlai on two occasions. Trent Alexander-Arnold, instrumental in Liverpool’s dominant midfield performance, also grazed the post with a long-range effort, showcasing his trademark passing and ability to unsettle City’s Rodri-less midfield.
City’s troubles only deepened after the break as Liverpool continued to turn the screw. Arne Slot’s high-energy pressing system was causing chaos for a City side that looked off the pace. Gakpo came close to doubling his tally when Andy Robertson released him with a sublime pass, only for Matheus Nunes to make a last-ditch tackle. Moments later, a mix-up between Bernardo Silva and Manuel Akanji gifted Mohamed Salah a golden opportunity, but the Egyptian uncharacteristically fired wide when one-on-one with Ortega.
Salah, however, wouldn’t be denied for long. With Liverpool surging forward again, Ortega clattered into Luis Diaz, conceding a clear penalty. Salah confidently stepped up and smashed the ball past Ortega to seal a comprehensive victory, capping another standout performance for the Reds.
For Manchester City, the defeat marks their fourth consecutive Premier League loss—a run not seen since 2008—and their title defence now looks to be in tatters. The champions’ struggles raise questions about fatigue and squad depth, particularly in the absence of key midfielder Rodri.
For Liverpool, the day firmly belonged to them. Ruthless in attack and resolute in defence, they demonstrated why they are emerging as serious title contenders under Slot. With the win, they not only stretched their lead over City to 11 points but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Liverpool are back, and they mean business.
