Liverpool were brilliant in the first half against Manchester City and put themselves in a dominating position to move 11 points ahead at the top of the Premier League.
Gary Neville claimed Liverpool’s first-half performance against Manchester City was ‘title-winning’. The Reds led 2-0 at halftime at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite City’s early dominance and better chances, Liverpool took the lead with their first attempt on target. A well-worked corner routine resulted in Mohamed Salah finding space in the box and slotting the ball past Ederson with a deflection.
City continued to probe and test Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, but Arne Slot’s visitors were efficient in attack, doubling their lead in the 37th minute. This time, Salah set up Dominik Szoboszlai, who took a touch before drilling into the corner.
After Szoboszlai put the Reds ahead 2-0, former Manchester United defender Neville praised Slot’s team and stated that ‘this is what a title-winning performance looks like’. Liverpool had only 32% possession and two efforts on goal in the first half, but they were ruthless when needed.
“That is what a title winning performance looks like,” Neville said on co-commentary for Sky Sports. “They’ve gone through all of the different phases of learning to play football.
“Withstand pressure, get a goal up, then take control of the game, and go and win. The composure and strength from Mo Salah, and Dominik Szoboszlai is really clinical.”
Meanwhile, Roy Keane concurred with Neville’s opinion on Liverpool, who will go 11 points ahead at the top of the Premier League should they cling on to beat City, and conceded ‘you’re looking at the champions there’.
“Liverpool have been excellent,” Keane told Sky Sports at halftime. “You’re looking at the champs; it’s been a fantastic weekend for them so far. They can’t rest right now; they need to get the job done.
“I enjoy watching the violence of top-level sports. Manchester City has been wonderful in recent years, but now you’re looking at Liverpool, the current champs we’re seeing, and they’ve been amazing.
“They’re very efficient and have more goals in them. Won the most games, scored the most goals, and was fun to watch. They just need to make City suffer now.”
