Liverpool, long accustomed to playing second fiddle to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, flipped the script with a commanding 2-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday. The triumph over the reigning champions firmly established the Reds as the team to beat in this season's Premier League.
Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah struck in each half to seal the win, though the scoreline understated Liverpool's dominance. A struggling City side, now winless in seven matches and suffering their sixth defeat in that run, find themselves 11 points adrift of the league leaders. Arsenal and Chelsea, both nine points back, are Liverpool's nearest challengers.
Despite Guardiola's defiant reminder to the Anfield crowd of City's six titles in the past seven seasons—raising six fingers amid chants of "sacked in the morning"—the champions appear set to relinquish their grip on the league. In contrast, Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot have taken a major step forward.
Slot faced the daunting task of succeeding the beloved Jurgen Klopp, who restored Liverpool to the summit of English and European football. Klopp's tenure included a long-awaited Premier League title in 2019/20, the club's first in 30 years. Yet, unlike the managerial transitions at Manchester United and Arsenal, Liverpool have thrived post-Klopp.
The groundwork for this resurgence was laid by Klopp himself, with signings like Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch revitalizing the squad. Slot’s sole summer addition, Federico Chiesa, has had minimal impact due to injury, but the blend of new talent and experienced campaigners—such as Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—has proved a winning formula.
Tactical Tweaks and Winning Formula
Slot has credited Klopp’s legacy while refining key tactical aspects. Narrower roles for Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have solidified Liverpool’s defense, giving them the league’s best defensive record. Gravenberch has excelled in a holding midfield role, and Gakpo has finally hit his stride under the guidance of his compatriot.
Additionally, Slot has maintained focus despite looming uncertainties, with Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold all nearing the end of their contracts.
"City are a fantastic team, four-time champions in a row, and they have the quality to punish any side," said Van Dijk. "So, overall, it’s been a great day. It’s about taking it game by game and staying calm, but wins like this feel special."
Eyeing Multiple Titles
Slot’s influence extends beyond domestic success. Liverpool sit atop their Champions League group with a flawless record from five matches, including a memorable 2-0 victory over Real Madrid midweek. The win over City capped a dream week, but Slot remains mindful of the challenge of sustaining this form.
"Real Madrid and Manchester City have been exceptional, with managers who’ve won countless trophies," said Slot. "Winning against them is a great achievement, but to win big titles, you need consistency every three days."
With December just underway, Liverpool’s sights are firmly set on matching Manchester United’s record of 20 English top-flight titles. Their form and focus suggest it’s a goal well within reach.