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Mohamed Salah once again proved his worth, scoring and assisting as Liverpool secured a commanding 2-0 victory over reigning champions Manchester City, taking a major step toward their second Premier League title. The Egyptian striker set up Dominik Szoboszlai after finding the net himself, helping Arne Slots team claim a vital win at the Etihad Stadium. The result stretched Liverpools lead at the top of the table to an imposing 11 points.
Manchester City, missing their injured star Erling Haaland, struggled to create chances, their defeat highlighting a dramatic fall from grace this season after four consecutive title-winning campaigns. Pep Guardiolas side, now languishing in fourth, are a staggering 20 points behind Liverpool, with Champions League qualification looking like their most realistic target.
Liverpool, buoyed after shaking off recent shaky performances against Everton, Wolves, and Aston Villa, silenced doubters about their ability to handle the pressure of the title race. Arsenals surprise loss to West Ham on Saturday provided an extra boost, and the Reds responded with a commanding display that neutralized Citys attack, with Salah once again stealing the spotlight.
Salahs goal brought his tally to 30 for the season across all competitionshis fifth time hitting that mark at Liverpoolwhile his assist for Szoboszlai marked his 11th game this term contributing both a goal and an assist in the league. Despite a bright start from City, including a blocked Szoboszlai shot and early pressure from Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, it was Liverpool who struck first. In the 14th minute, a cleverly worked corner saw Alexis Mac Allisters low delivery flicked on by Szoboszlai, allowing Salah to smash the ball home via a deflection off Nathan Ake.
City briefly rallied, with Omar Marmoush denied an equalizer by an offside flag after rattling the post, but their threat fizzled out despite dominating possession. Liverpools ruthlessness shone through in the 37th minute when Salah broke free down the right and teed up Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner past a flat-footed City defense.
The second half saw Szoboszlai nearly turn provider again, setting up Curtis Jones only for VAR to rule it out for offside. City responded with intent, Marmoush firing just wide, but Liverpool remained dangerous, with Luis Diaz drawing a sharp save from Ederson. As the game wore on, Liverpool dropped deeper, content to protect their lead. City, without Haalands cutting edge due to a knee injury, huffed and puffedDoku darted into the box repeatedly, and Foden probedbut they couldnt break through.
As the final whistle approached, Liverpools traveling supporters serenaded their team with chants of impending glory. After such a decisive triumph over a fading giant, the Premier League crown feels tantalizingly within reach for the Reds.
