Liverpool delivered a statement performance at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, dealing a decisive blow to Manchester City’s already fading Premier League title ambitions. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai secured a 2-0 victory, ending Arsenal’s slim hopes of catching the Reds at the top of the table.
For City, this defeat capped off a nightmare week. Just days after being eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe, they were outclassed by a Liverpool side that now sits 11 points clear at the summit. City had already fallen out of serious title contention following their December defeat at Anfield, but Arsenal had still been hoping to close the gap. However, their surprise home loss to West Ham, combined with Liverpool’s dominant win, has all but sealed the fate of the title race.
Although City put up a fight, once Salah struck his 25th league goal of the season, Guardiola’s side never looked like recovering. The absence of Erling Haaland due to injury and a below-par performance from Kevin De Bruyne only made matters worse. The Belgian playmaker, usually so crucial in City’s biggest games, was a shadow of his former self and was substituted after 66 minutes following an uninspiring display.
Meanwhile, Salah—just a year younger than De Bruyne—continues to thrive at the highest level. The Egyptian winger now looks set to lift his second Premier League title with Liverpool, marking another remarkable chapter in his storied career.
Winners & Losers from the Etihad According to GOAL
Winner: Mohamed Salah
While Kylian Mbappe stole the headlines in midweek with his stunning hat-trick against City in the Champions League, Salah made his own statement on Sunday. His influence on the match was undeniable, scoring a deflected opener before assisting Szoboszlai’s strike, extending his incredible run to nine goals and four assists in his last eight appearances.
Salah has now contributed to 41 Premier League goals this season, becoming the first player to surpass 40 goal involvements in two different campaigns. His first came during his unforgettable debut season at Liverpool in 2017-18, but his current form suggests he may be enjoying his best-ever campaign—potentially his last in a Liverpool shirt.
His brilliance against top opposition has been particularly impressive, with nine goals and six assists against teams like City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham. His ability to deliver in the biggest moments continues to set him apart. As Liverpool’s Andy Robertson put it: “He is on a different world right now and playing out of his skin.”
Loser: Kevin De Bruyne
It was a miserable afternoon for Kevin De Bruyne, whose struggles were evident throughout the game. Left on the bench for City’s Champions League exit against Madrid, the Belgian was desperate to make an impact but instead endured one of his worst performances in a City shirt.
His passing was uncharacteristically poor, with only Trent Alexander-Arnold posting a lower pass completion rate. His shooting was even worse, with one first-half effort flying so far off target it nearly hit the corner flag. The frustration reached its peak in the second half when he accidentally sent the ball out for a corner, prompting sarcastic cheers from Liverpool fans.
When Guardiola finally substituted him, the Etihad faithful applauded—less for his performance and more in appreciation of his years of brilliance. But at 33, De Bruyne’s struggles suggest his time as City’s midfield talisman may be nearing its end.
Winner: Dominik Szoboszlai
Liverpool’s Hungarian playmaker is flourishing in his second season at Anfield, thriving in a more advanced role under Arne Slot. Against City, Szoboszlai was outstanding, providing a stunning assist for Salah’s goal before adding a brilliantly taken second himself.
Jamie Carragher described his assist as “out of this world,” while his finish left Ederson completely stranded. Beyond the goals, Szoboszlai dominated midfield, outplaying City’s new signing Nico Gonzalez—whom Guardiola had hyped as a “mini Rodri.” His pressing, dribbling, and physicality made a major impact, ensuring City never gained control.
For a team that once prided itself on having an abundance of elite midfielders, Guardiola must have watched enviously as Szoboszlai dictated proceedings for Liverpool.
The Title Race Is Over
Liverpool’s victory all but confirms that the Premier League trophy will be heading to Anfield. With an 11-point lead and Arsenal slipping up, only a monumental collapse would stop them now.
For City, this defeat confirmed what had been apparent for weeks: this is not their season. Whether they can recover in time to challenge next year remains to be seen, but for now, the Premier League belongs to Liverpool.
