by: Samuel Thompson

In the relentless downpour at the Etihad Stadium, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson stood resolute, their expressions unyielding. Their chest-thumping and fist-pumping gestures were not mere celebrations but declarations of intent, locking eyes with the Liverpool faithful to convey a singular message: the Premier League title is within reach.

Liverpool’s Commanding Position in the Premier League

This 2-0 triumph over Manchester City marks a pivotal moment in Liverpool’s campaign. Having previously bested the reigning champions at Anfield in December, any residual skepticism about their title aspirations has been emphatically quashed. An 11-point cushion atop the league standings speaks volumes, especially when juxtaposed against an Arsenal side that, while persistent, lacks the cutting edge to mount a genuine challenge.

Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, Liverpool exudes a palpable sense of purpose. This determination is epitomised by stalwarts like Alisson, Van Dijk, and the indomitable Mohamed Salah—players wholly engrossed in the pursuit of glory.

Mohamed Salah: The Relentless Force

Salah’s extraordinary season continues unabated. Netting his 25th goal in 27 Premier League appearances, he also provided a deft assist for Dominik Szoboszlai’s strike. While his season highlights reel showcases mesmerising dribbles, incisive passes, and clinical finishes, it’s his unwavering consistency and focus that truly set him apart in this Premier League era.

When probed post-match about the proximity of the title, Salah’s response was measured: “I wouldn’t say it’s close. It’s just, like, we need another title for us—me and the big guys here in the team.” This hunger stems from a desire to replicate the 2020 league triumph, which, due to the pandemic, unfolded in the eerie silence of empty stadiums. For Salah and his teammates, lifting the Premier League trophy amidst the roar of their supporters has become an obsession.

Last Hurrah for the Veterans
With Van Dijk at 33 and Salah at 32, both nearing the end of their contracts, this season carries added significance. Negotiations are ongoing, but their performances suggest a determination to seize the moment, playing each match as if it’s their swan song.

This veteran resolve has been instrumental in Liverpool’s ascendancy, especially in a season where rivals have faltered. Arsenal, beset by injuries and contentious officiating, have struggled to replicate past form. In contrast, Liverpool’s unwavering consistency has left competitors with scant hope.

After 27 matches, Liverpool boasts 67 points—outstripping Manchester City’s tally at the same juncture in their treble-winning 2022-23 campaign. Such dominance is rare, with only a handful of teams in Premier League history amassing more points at this stage.

European Endeavours and Domestic Focus

Liverpool’s prowess isn’t confined to domestic competitions. Topping their Champions League group with seven consecutive victories—including scalps like Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Milan—they’ve showcased their continental credentials. A surprising FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle was a blemish, but Slot’s lineup that day indicated a strategic prioritisation of other trophies, notably the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United on March 16.

In the Premier League, their primary objective, Liverpool is on pace to breach the 90-point barrier. With 15 of their 19 away fixtures already navigated, the advantage of hosting seven of the remaining 11 matches at Anfield—where they’ve been formidable since 2017—cannot be overstated. Even with a potential dip in form, their current buffer affords a margin for error.

Arne Slot’s Measured Approach

Despite the favourable position, Slot remains cautious. “In every other league, a lead like this would be very comfortable,” he remarked post-match. “In this league, every single game gives you a lot of challenges.” This pragmatic outlook underscores the unpredictability of the Premier League, where complacency can be costly.

Liverpool’s recent fixtures have tested their mettle. A grueling sequence of five matches in 15 days included a contentious 2-2 draw in the Merseyside derby against Everton, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, another 2-2 stalemate at Aston Villa, and the recent conquest of Manchester City. This demanding stretch concludes with a home clash against Newcastle, after which the schedule offers a brief respite—just one league match over the ensuing six weeks. This lull could prove advantageous as they gear up for the season’s climax.

Manchester City’s Struggles

Manchester City, languishing in fourth place, faces an uphill battle to secure Champions League qualification. Recent months have been unkind, with only Real Madrid (twice), Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and now Liverpool handing them defeats. While diminished, City remains a formidable opponent, and overcoming them requires a performance of the highest calibre.

In their latest encounter, Liverpool showcased maturity, composure, and resilience—qualities that eluded Pep Guardiola’s side. City’s youthful wingers, Jeremy Doku and Savinho, frequently found themselves in promising positions but lacked the decisive final touch. Against a Liverpool defence marshalled by the imperious Van Dijk and the steadfast Ibrahima Konaté, perfection was a prerequisite.

Salah’s Tactical Mastery
Salah’s dismantling of City’s defence was a masterclass in tactical acumen. Whether confronting the inexperienced duo of Abdukodir Khusanov and Rico Lewis or the seasoned Nathan Aké and Joško Gvardiol, Salah was a constant menace. Supported by the dynamic runs of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai, he orchestrated attacks with surgical precision.

The opening goal, a product of a well-rehearsed set-piece, saw Salah capitalise on a clever corner routine. In his post-match interview the Egyptian star remained measured. “I wouldn’t say it’s close,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s just, like, we need another title for us — me and the big guys here in the team.” His hunger is unmistakable. Salah has openly expressed his desire to reclaim the Premier League title, particularly after the muted celebrations of 2020 when Liverpool’s first league triumph in three decades was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Salah, this title is about more than silverware—it’s about legacy. And that desire has seeped into every fibre of this Liverpool squad.