Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points as Reds subdue defending champions in huge clash | Premier League 2024-25

A goal in either half highlighted a dominant display from Liverpool as they beat Manchester City 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, December 1. The result means Liverpool have opened up a nine-point lead over Arsenal and Chelsea and are firmly in the driver's seat in the title race.

Following a brilliant comeback victory over Southampton and a strong performance against Real Madrid, Arne Slot decided to shift his attack around. Luis Diaz occupied a central role, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah on the wings. Trent Alexander-Arnold came back while Joe Gomez replaced the injured Ibrahima Konate.

Manchester City, meanwhile, looked to complete a turnaround after their shock 3-3 draw against Feyenoord midweek in the Champions League. There were surprises in the starting lineup as Ederson was benched for Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol was replaced by Nathan Ake.

Liverpool enjoyed a bright start to the fixture, putting Manchester City under relentless pressure. It paid off after 12 minutes as Gakpo knocked home a simple tap-in from a pass from Salah to open the scoring.

In the second half, Liverpool were willing to let City have the ball while they defended compactly. They were keen on hitting them on the counter and were able to create some real opportunities. One of those occurred when a mistake at the back saw Diaz break free, leading to the winger getting fouled by Ortega and earning a penalty. Salah converted with aplomb, making it 2-0 to the hosts in the 78th minute.

Manchester City are now out of the top four and without a win in seven games, a major cause for concern for the side. Here are five talking points from the game:

Liverpool vs Manchester City Talking Points

#5. Strong start pays dividends for Liverpool

The Reds' energy to press and win the ball back suffocated City early on, barely letting them get a touch in their half to begin the game. Virgil van Dijk came close to scoring with two headers, but it was his compatriot Gakpo who gave them the lead. After the opener, Arne Slot's men controlled the rest of the affair.

#4. Mo Salah does it again

Rumours surrounding his contract situation seem to not affect him at all as Mohamed Salah picked up a goal and an assist. His 18 goal contributions this campaign lead the Premier League. He also seems to enjoy playing against Guardiola's side and now has eight goals and five assists against them.

#3. Pep Guardiola responds to fans with 'six' gesture

With the game drawing towards its end, Reds fans behind Pep Guardiola were chanting "you're getting sacked in the morning." The Spaniard responded cheekily by holding up six fingers, indicating the six Premier League titles he has won with City. It may provide an insight into his mentality as he looks to save his side from a terrible run of results.

#2. Arne Slot's juggernaut rolls on

Yet another dominant showing from Liverpool indicates how good the hiring of Arne Slot has been. The Dutchman has endeared himself to the Kop with the side producing brilliant performances one after another. He has been able to instill his style of play quickly and the Reds look like title favourites heading into Christmas.

#1. Can it get worse for Manchester City?

Seven games without a win, including four straight losses in the league, means Guardiola has to find some inspiration quickly to halt City's slide. They have dropped out of the top four and find themselves 11 points behind the leaders and need a turnaround immediately.