PL: Liverpool Strengthens Leadership with Convincing 2-0 Victory Against Manchester City
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Liverpool, Dec 1 (NationPress) Liverpool showcased an impressive display to secure a 2-0 triumph over Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, widening their gap at the summit of the standings to 11 points. Cody Gakpo’s swift goal in the opening 20 minutes set an energetic tone, while Mohamed Salah’s coolly executed penalty in the 78th minute ensured the victory in a match where the Reds exhibited unyielding offensive play.
The home fans erupted as Liverpool maintained relentless pressure from the beginning, leaving City struggling to cope with their vigor. Dominik Szoboszlai tested Stefan Ortega on several occasions, and Virgil van Dijk’s powerful header from a Szoboszlai cross was expertly tipped onto the post by Ortega. The pivotal moment arrived when Alexander-Arnold delivered a pinpoint pass to Salah, who navigated the ball through City’s defense for Gakpo to finish at the Kop end.
Liverpool continued to assert their dominance, with Van Dijk narrowly missing another header and Gakpo firing over. Despite City trying to slow the game down, they posed minimal threat in the first half, with Caoimhin Kelleher remaining unchallenged in goal.
The second half commenced with City seeking to regain their rhythm, but Liverpool remained the more threatening team. Salah intercepted a pass from Bernardo Silva and charged towards goal, only for his shot to go over the bar. City’s best moment came next, as Erling Haaland’s attempt was blocked and Kevin De Bruyne was thwarted by Kelleher following a rare error from Van Dijk.
With 20 minutes to go, Arne Slot brought on Darwin Nunez and Jarell Quansah, and the substitutions proved effective. Nunez’s tireless pressing forced Ruben Dias into an error, enabling Luis Diaz to seize the ball and earn a foul from Ortega. Salah successfully converted the subsequent penalty, extending Liverpool’s lead.
Harvey Elliott’s return from injury as a late substitute rounded off a nearly flawless day for the Reds, who have now amassed 34 points from 13 matches. This result further established Liverpool’s title aspirations, leaving City trailing 11 points behind in the Premier League chase.
