Man City vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result and reaction as Reds take advantage in title race with comfortable win

Liverpool moved 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a ruthlessly efficient victory over rivals Manchester City.

Their first Premier League victory at the Etihad Stadium in 10 years came courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboslazi – who both assisted for the other goal – while a resolute defensive performance frustrated the hosts.

Erling Haaland missed the match through injury but Omar Marmoush was a lively replacement for City and even had a goal ruled out in a blistering first half.

Salah opened the scoring after a wonderful set piece from Liverpool before Marmoush’s equaliser was ruled out for offside. Szoboszlai then capped off a few decent individual performances to give Liverpool a cushion they could defend.

The second half was a more defensive affair for the Reds but they limited City’s attacking threats and held on to collect a significant three points.

Relive the action from the Etihad with our live blog below:

Man City vs Liverpool LIVE

• Liverpool’s statement victory over Man City makes one thing clear – the title race is over

• FT Liverpool cruise to win over Man City and extend lead at top of table

• 57’ DISALLOWED! Jones thinks he has Liverpool’s third but there’s an offside in the build up (MCI 0-2 LIV)

• 37’ GOAL! Szoboszlai doubles lead with classy finish (MCI 0-2 LIV)

• 30’ DISALLOWED! Marmoush’s fine effort is chalked off for offside (MCI 0-1 LIV)

• 14′ GOAL! Mo Salah scores opener after fine corner move (MCI 0-1 LIV)

• Pep Guardiola explains Erling Haaland’s absence from Liverpool game

Manchester City FC 0 – 2 Liverpool FC

Mohamed Salah’s unfulfilled ambition shows Liverpool superstar’s true worth

08:27 , Richard Jolly

A footballer who specialises in hitting the target revealed his biggest aim.

Mohamed Salah had already scored for the eighth consecutive game, helping Liverpool to record a second 2-0 win over Manchester City this season. He has 30 goals for the campaign, but a broader goal has emerged. “We need another title,” he said. “Me and the big guys in the team, we need another title.”

Salah has long used personal ambitions to fuel the collective good. His 241st Liverpool goal means he is now tied with Gordon Hodgson, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt in the all-time list. If the Ballon d’Or has long seemed a trophy on his wishlist, now he is looking for further success for the group of old-timers.

Mohamed Salah’s unfulfilled ambition shows Liverpool superstar’s true worth

Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures – Liverpool or Arsenal?

08:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Liverpool are starting to believe that the Premier League is heading back to Anfield after the leaders won away at Manchester City to open up an 11-point lead over Arsenal in the title race.

A statement 2-0 victory at the Etihad, coupled with Arsenal’s defeat at home to West Ham, means Arne Slot’s side have one hand on the title with 11 games to go this season.

Although the manager played down the importance of their lead, seven of Liverpool’s remaining games are an home and the away supporters at the Etihad were signing about the title returning to Anfield for just the second time in 35 years after a first Premier League win at Manchester City since 2015.

Premier League title race: Who has the best fixtures – Liverpool or Arsenal?

Mohamed Salah says ‘special’ season is his favourite as a Liverpool player

Sunday 23 February 2025 20:03 , Mike Jones

Mohamed Salah says his current record-breaking season with Liverpool fc is his favourite as the forward continues his incredible form to set new landmarks almost every week.

A man-of-the-match performance in the 2-0 win at Manchester City, which extended the club’s lead at the top of the table to 11 points, saw him become the first player in Premier League history to score and assist in both games against the reigning champions in the same season.

Mohamed Salah says ‘special’ season is his favourite as a Liverpool player

Pep Guardiola explains Erling Haaland’s absence from Manchester City squad in defeat to Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 20:00 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola explained that Erling Haaland was left out of the Manchester City squad to face Liverpool after coming up sore after training on the eve of the match.

Guardiola had hoped to be able to bring his star striker back in after the Norwegian missed the midweek defeat to Real Madrid but the forward failed a late fitness test and was unavailable for the 2-0 loss to Liverpool.

Haaland suffered a injury to his right knee late on in last weekend’s Premier League thrashing of Newcastle, and while the issue appears relatively minor, he did not come through training successfully to be deemed fit enough to return.

Pep Guardiola explains Erling Haaland’s absence from Man City squad against Liverpool

Guardiola praises Doku and Savinho:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:57 , Mike Jones

“It was a good game. Tight game in the first half,. First half it was more open and the second half they defended very deep.

“They always have the threat but it is not easy to control it. We dropped them. Through our pressing or build-up, dropped the team there.

“I think Doku and Savinho played an incredible game and get to the byline a lot but then just from there we missed the magic.

“We played really good so I have no regrets. The chances in the final third, when we want to shoot and cross, for the amount we arrived there we did not create much.”

Guardiola on building for next season:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:53 , Mike Jones

“Everyone knows that a part will be here next season for the older players but we have to build for the next step. There is a question of time.

“Even with the amount of absences we have, we played well. They break the lines and can break behind you. They really threaten but we bring them there and all we missed is that in the final third, it depends on the talent to dribble or shoot in the right moment. From there, we build for the future.

“We are far away. We will see in the future. What we have done in previous seasons is good but now we are away from them. We played with personality which was really good.”

More from Guardiola:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:49 , Mike Jones

“If you lose, you have to lose the way we lost today. I saw many things that this club has a bright future with the players that we have.

“Except Kevin De Bruyne and maybe Nathan Ake, all the players are so, so young.

“What the club decides next for the future, there is a bright future for this club in the next years.”

Andy Robertson on Mohamed Salah:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:45 , Mike Jones

“I can’t be bothered talking about him to be honest! No, he’s been unbelievable.

“A set piece routine worked, which is pleasing. Everyone had a role to play and Mo got the glory of putting it in the back of the net. Another goal and assist.

“His work rate going back the other way was unbelievable today, him and Lucho [Diaz] and that was key to us keeping a clean sheet.

“He is on a different world right now and playing out of his skin. We are very happy to have him, that’s for sure.”

Pep Guardiola speaking to Sky Sports:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:41 , Mike Jones

“We played very good. Maybe we missed more productivity in the shots but we played against a fantastic team. Maybe at the start it was 50-50 and we could not convert.

“Second half they defended very deep. We have done something we have not tried for many games which was we brought them to their box and tried to beat them there.

“The tactic was to arrive in the final third and the byline and it happened a lot but we did not score. We missed the next bit a little bit and with crosses it is almost impossible to do it because of their size. We could not find the next step.”

Liverpool move one step closer to Premier League title

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:37 , Mike Jones

Arne Slot on if Liveprool can win the title:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:33 , Mike Jones

“Three days ago we had a draw at Villa and people told me we weren’t in a good place and then three days later we win and it changes again. We work every single day to achieve this and it is three months of very hard work to maintain this.

“There is no secret. We are 11 points clear but Arsenal has one game in hand. The best attack we had didn’t end in a goal. You always have to adapt to the challenge you have. A week ago we experienced how difficult Wolves at home was. They will always be difficult games, like today.

“It is easier for us to not get excited because we know what we have to put in. This result was more about defence than attack. It is normal for fanbases to be positive and it is important to understand why we are where we are.”

More from Slot on Liverpool’s opener:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:29 , Mike Jones

“We as a group of people look at how the set-up is, and someone came up with a brilliant plan and we knew that space could be there. The deflection was so helpful because it wasn’t as if we were dominating the game.

“The first half played out better for them than for us, apart from the score. I don’t think they had too many big chances but it felt like they were going to score. A lot in the second half, I can’t remember them having a big chance.

“Ideally, we have the ball more than the other team. But City when it comes to ball possession, they like it a lot and are so comfortable on the ball. The only chance you have to win here is to defend very well.”

Arne Slot on how Liverpool won the game:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:25 , Mike Jones

“By scoring a set-piece.

“If you want to win a big game you need a neutral set-piece balance or to score one and not concede.

“We kept them away from big chances because we made sure they didn’t create as much as they normally do.”

Doku on the gap between Man City and Liverpool:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:21 , Mike Jones

“To be fair if I look at the game I don’t think that they were much better than us. Two goals, one set piece and the second goal was a long ball, so well done to them.

“We know their qualities and that they like to play in behind. They did well and after it is hard to come back against a team that defends well like that.

“We played well but the situations that we had we could have dealt better with them. Today we played better against them than we did away.

“Of course there is a gap in points but today you can’t say that they ran over us.”

Reaction from Jeremy Doku:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:17 , Mike Jones

“We tried. I had a lot of attacking situations but after the two goals that they scored they played very deep.

“They defended very well and then played on the counter attack so it was hard for us to find spaces. Some game are like that. We just have to keep on going and take the good things from the game.

“It is a good question because I passed him [Alexander-Arnold] a lot of times but it was then the final pass or I don’t know.

“The most important thing after passing is to create something from it, and I played some good balls in front of the goal but we have to score.

“We have to analyse the game and see what I can do better and what we can do better as a team.”

City trail by 20 points

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:13 , Mike Jones

The 20-point gap between Liverpool and Manchester City is the furthest City have been away from the top of the table at the end of a day since 14th July 2020, when they were 21 points behind Liverpool.

It’s a sign of how poor Guardiola’s men have been this season, when comparing them to their own high standards of course.

Will Liverpool win the league?

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:09 , Mike Jones

“I didn’t hear it, I was so tired,” said Szoboszlai when asked about the Liverpool fans singing about winning the league.

He added: “We have to keep going and Newcastle is going to be a tough game and then 11 more games to go.

“It never ends so we have to keep calm and keep going and at the end hopefully, we will get there.”

Szoboszlai on his assist for Salah:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:05 , Mike Jones

“It was not the best assist I gave to him!

“We practiced it yesterday and hopefully, we can do it more times.

“Finally, he could also find me – it does not happen every time!”

Post-match thoughts from Dominik Szoboszlai:

Sunday 23 February 2025 19:01 , Mike Jones

“We played with two number 10s and they managed the game almost 90 per cent but at the end the result is for us and we are happy to take the three points home.

“We were defending 30 metres from our goal and we gave everything. It is part of the game.

“Sometimes you don’t have the ball and we are happy to take the three points.”

Salah on whether he’s playing his best football:

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:57 , Mike Jones

“I don’t know.

“It is opinion. Maybe people prefer my first seasons or now but I prefer now because winning the league, helping the young players, it is special.

“We need another title. Me and the big guys in the team, we need another title.”

Reaction from Mo Salah speaking to Sky Sports:

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:53 , Mike Jones

“It is incredible. It is a very hard place to come and play here.

“They are a tough team and they have an incredible manager I am glad in the end we won the game. It is special. Especially when you are in the title race, it is incredible.

“Hopefully we keep calm because sometimes the pressure gets to us. We try to win each game.”

Positive signs

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:49 , Mike Jones

Liverpool’s 11-point advantage is their largest lead on second place at the end of a day since the final day of the 2019-20 campaign (18), when they last won the title.

Everything is looking positive for Arne Slot’s men.

Liverpool’s statement victory over Man City makes one thing clear – the title race is over

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:45 , Mike Jones

Mind the gap. It looks unbridgeable now: 11 points to Arsenal, a barely credible 20 to Manchester City. A title race that began with City as red-hot favourites could be almost over before February is. The dominant team this season, Liverpool were vastly superior at the Etihad Stadium.

With Arne Slot borrowing from Pep Guardiola’s tactical blueprint to outwit the master with his twin false nines, with the magnificent Mohamed Salah underlining his credentials to win the individual awards, with Dominik Szoboszlai delivering perhaps the finest display of his Liverpool career, with Virgil van Dijk marshalling a defence who had conceded too often in the last two-and-a-half months to deliver a display of defiance, this felt the victory that ended any doubt. A 20th league title is bound for Anfield.

Liverpool’s victory over Man City makes one thing clear – the title race is over

Good omens for Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:43 , Mike Jones

Only three times has a lead of this nature been overturned in the Premier League.

The last time is happened was in the 1997/98 season.

Liverpool have one hand on the trophy and a few more games will secure their second league win in five seasons.

Liverpool go 11 points clear

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:31 , Mike Jones

Arsenal have 12 matches left to play in the Premier League season and must claw back 11 points.

They have to win every game and it probably won’t be enough.

‘Very convincing, very professional’

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:27 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium

“Very convincing from Liverpool. Very professional, too.

“They are now 11 points clear of Arsenal, 20 ahead of Manchester City.

“The title is surely bound for Anfield.

“For City, the end to the league season could be more fraught.”

Full-time! Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:23 , Mike Jones

90+4 mins: The whistle goes to end the game.

Liverpool’s weekend have been fantastic. They are now 11 points ahead of Arsenal and should be the overwhelming favourites to win the league.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:18 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play in this game.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:18 , Mike Jones

87 mins: Jeremy Doku has beaten Trent Alexander-Arnold a number of times today but the final pass or shot has been wanting.

It’s a sign that City aren’t anywhere near their best this season.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:12 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Mac Allister whips a corner into the box and finds Konate.

His header is knocked down and Salah looks to keep it alive only for Gvardiol to clear the danger.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:11 , Mike Jones

81 mins: Inside the last 10 minutes at the Etihad Stadium and City still don’t have many answers to Liverpool’s solid defence.

The Reds will see this game out and extend their lead in the Premier League.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:07 , Mike Jones

78 mins: Cody Gakpo is now on for Liverpool. He was in a rich vein of form before his injury and will want to get back to those levels.

Ruben Dias, Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic are alos on for Man City with Omar Marmoush, Nathan Ake and Nico Gonzalez heading off.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:03 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Nico Ganzalez flicks the ball over the top and finds Savinho’s run.

He cuts the ball back where Rico Lewis looks to lunge at it.

He gets the last touch and the ball lands in the side setting.

‘Can De Bruyne still play in the biggest games?’

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:02 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium

“As Arne Slot looks for Wataru Endo and Kostas Tsimikas to see the game out, an earlier substitution had a significance.

“Kevin de Bruyne got a generous ovation: deservedly, given how wonderful a player he has been for City.

“But this was not a day for him to remember with any fondness.

“The most notable moment of a difficult afternoon may have come when he almost hit the corner flag with a wayward shot.

“An unused sub against Real Madrid, it was another day to invite questions is De Bruyne can play in the biggest games now.”

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 18:00 , Mike Jones

72 mins: City cross the ball from the right and send it all the way over to Doku.

He lets it drop and then shoots on the swivel. The effort drills the ball into the floor but doesn’t beat Alisson who smothers it.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:58 , Mike Jones

69 mins: It’s been a game of efficiency for Liverpool.

They had three shots in the first half and so far have created two in the second.

Most of their energy is trying to stop Man City from scoring.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:55 , Mike Jones

66 mins: James McAtee is brought on to replace Kevin De Bruyne for Manchester City and receives a nice round of applause.

The youngster has his work cut out for him in this match. City need to get a goal and with it and bunch of pressure will land on Liverpool.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:52 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Save!

Ederson comes to the rescue for City. Andy Robertson injects some speed into a break for Liverpool and pops the ball off to Luis Diaz.

Diaz darts onto his right foot and shoots forcing a one-handed push over the bar from the City goalkeeper.

‘Liverpool’s clean sheets have been rarities’

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:49 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium

“So far, Liverpool have shown a solidity City have lacked.

“Liverpool’s clean sheets have actually been rarities of late but this is shaping up as their best defensive display in a while.

“City, however, have scored in each of their last 16 games so, for everything that has gone wrong, perhaps there will be a path back into this game for them.

“Though, had the third goal Curtis Jones scored, stood, surely not.”

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:48 , Mike Jones

60 mins: Immediately after Liverpool have the goal chalked off, Man City burst forward and set up Marmoush.

He takes a snap shot from inside the box but hooks his effort wide of the far post.

Alisson was worried though and sprawled after the ball before breathing a sigh of relief as it went wide.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:46 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Disallowed!

The Liverpool fans are going wild as Curtis Jones puts them further ahead.

Dominik Szoboszlai plays a one-two with Ryan Gravenberch to get in behind.

He then slides the ball to Curtis Jones who turns it home.

Is he onside though? No!

Szoboszlai was just, just ahead of the last man and the goal is ruled out.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:41 , Mike Jones

54 mins: Nearly!

Liverpool have been biding their time to strike. They quickly work the ball into the middle of the pitch and release Salah on the right.

He takes the ball to the edge of the box and flicks a cross into the six-yard area with the outside of his left boot.

Curtis Jones arrives to meet it but the ball is just too high for him and bobbles through to the other side of the pitch.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:38 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Liverpool are defending in bumbers with the likes of Mo Salah and Luis Diaz getting back and heloing out the back line.

It’s making things difficult for Man City to break into the penalty area as the gaps are so narrow to thread passes into.

There are signs of growing frustration on the faces of City’s players. Kevin De Bruyne in particular looks stumped at how to get City a goal.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:35 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Jeremy Doku looks to slip Omar Marmoush in behind but he’s beaten to the ball by Virgil van Dijk who boots it out of play.

Marmoush takes the corner but Josko Gvardiol’s header at the front post goes wide.

Second half! Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:33 , Mike Jones

Manchester City get the ball rolling for the second half.

They need to score and to score quickly in order to get back into this match.

HT Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:29 , Mike Jones

Mo Salah (as well as Dominik Szoboszlai today) has another goal and assist in the same game.

It’s the 11th Premier League game of the season in which he has both scored and set up a goal for Liverpool.

It’s the most games to see that feat in any of Europe’s five biggest leagues since Lionel Messi also reached 11 in the 2014/15 season.

Pep Guardiola explains Erling Haaland’s absence from Manchester City squad against Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:26 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola has explained that Erling Haaland was left out of the Manchester City squad to face Liverpool after coming up sore after training on match eve.

Guardiola had hoped to be able to bring his star striker back in after the Norwegian missed the midweek defeat to Real Madrid.

Haaland suffered a injury to his right knee late on in last weekend’s Premier League thrashing of Newcastle, and while the issue appears relatively minor, he did not come through training successfully to be deemed fit enough to return.

Pep Guardiola explains Erling Haaland’s absence from Man City squad against Liverpool

HT Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:25 , Mike Jones

Man City took eight shots in the first half with three of them on target. They did not score.

In contrast, Liverpool had three attempts, two of them found the target and they scored two goals.

Ruthless from the league leaders.

HT Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:21 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:17 , Mike Jones

45+2 mins: A perfect first half for Liverpool who take a two-goal lead into the break.

As things stand they are moving 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Can they see out the rest of this game and move one step closer to the title?

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:16 , Mike Jones

45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play in the first half.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:13 , Mike Jones

43 mins: De Bruyne chips another pass into the box with Foden the target again.

This time it’s Virgil van Dijk who wins the aerial ball and clears.

Liverpool’s two centre-backs are seeing more work than they’d like but they’ve been up to the task so far.

Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:11 , Mike Jones

40 mins: City need a response and win themselves a corner.

The ball is whipped into the penalty area but Andy Robertson is there to boot it away.

GOAL! Man City 0-2 Liverpool (Dominik Szoboszlai, 37′)

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:08 , Mike Jones

Two!

This is a cracker as well. Dominik Szoboszlai is the scorer. He’s aided by Mo Salah who brings down an aerial pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold and carries it into the box under pressure.

Salah fends off the defenders and rolls the ball to Szoboszlai who lets it run across his body then slots it into the back of the net.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:05 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Close! Luis Diaz sprints forward on the left and receives the ball.

He comes inside and curls a pass to Mo Salah who holds it up before releasing to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the overlap.

Alexander-Arnold sends the ball into the box and wins a corner but it comes to nothing.

‘A tale of two Egyptians’

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:03 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium

“A tale of two Egyptians.

“Both have found the net but only Mohamed Salah’s goal counted. Omar Marmoush was offside, even if he then produced a terrific finish.

“It feels as though Liverpool’s early goal took some of the sting out of the game. City had started at pace with a team packed with attack-minded players.

“Liverpool have fewer forwards but, so far, more goals.”

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 17:01 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Disallowed!

Great goal. Rico Lewis weaves away from a tackle on the inside right then finds Phil Foden with a pass.

Foden dinks the ball into the box for Omar Marmoush who controls it and guides a lovely finishes into the far side of the goal.

The finish is superb but Marmoush is offside and the goal doesn’t stand.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:59 , Mike Jones

29 mins: Marmoush and Foden stand over a free kick after Szoboszlai is punished for a foul.

The set piece is taken by Foden who shoots and only manages to find Alisson.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:58 , Mike Jones

28 mins: Doku’s cross from the left is headed out by Virgil van Dijk but the hosts recover the ball and come forward again.

Savinho flicks it back over to Doku who dribbles past Trent Alexander-Arnold but sees his attempted cross cleared by Ibrahima Konate.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:57 , Mike Jones

27 mins: Salah attempts to release Curtis Jones over on the left wing but overhits the pass.

Jones would have had a clear space to run into and acknowledges to effort from Salah with a thumbs up.

Liverpool, who haven’t been fantastic so far, are starting to find their feet in the game.

City are seeing more possession however and it seems like a matter of time before they do something more clinical with it.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:53 , Mike Jones

24 mins: Liverpool deal with a City corner and force the hosts back.

City work the ball back into the final third and find Omar Marmoush who cuts onto his right foot and drills a shot into the arms of Alisson.

Marmoush looks hungry to score today.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:50 , Mike Jones

21 mins: The opener was Mohamed Salah’s 25th Premier League goal of the season.

Liverpool have avoided defeat in their last 45 matches when they’ve scored first in the Premier League.

The last time they failed to avoid defeat was against Manchester City, in a 1-4 loss in April 2023.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:49 , Mike Jones

18 mins: Liverpool have not won here during the Pep Guardiola era.

The last time they were victorious at the Etihad was during Jurgen Klopp’s first season in charge.

The visitors have the lead and look in control of the game.

Can City muster something in response?

GOAL! Man City 0-1 Liverpool (Mo Salah, 14′)

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:46 , Mike Jones

Liverpool lead!

That is a wonderful goal. From the corner Alexis Mac Allister drills a low pass to the near post where the ball is flicked on, I think by Luis Diaz, into the middle of the box.

Mo Salah is free and controls the ball before sending it towards goal. There’s a deflection off Nathan Ake as he attempts to block but it finishes in the far bottom corner.

The league leaders get themselves the opening goal.

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:44 , Mike Jones

13 mins: City get caught on the ball deep in their own half and some dainty play from Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai sees Liverpool break into the box from the left.

Diaz wins a corner for the visitors.

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:42 , Mike Jones

12 mins: De Bruyne lifts a pass down the right wing and plays Savinho in behind Andy Robertson.

The midfielder looks to send the ball into the penalty area but it gets intercepted and booted away.

This is a close match already. As soon as the first goal goes in it feels like this one will heat up quite quickly.

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:39 , Mike Jones

9 mins: The game has been slick, quick and a bit physical with just a touch over nine minutes on the clock.

Both teams are trying to make sharp runs in behind and the defensive lines have been busy.

‘Arne Slot surprised with his selection’

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:38 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad Stadium

“Arne Slot does not often surprise with his selections but he has done today.

“The expectation was that Luis Diaz would play through the middle.

“Instead, there is no striker, but with Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai as false nines of sorts.”

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:35 , Mike Jones

6 mins: Alexis Mac Allister sends the ball out to the left where Luis Dias is playing on the wing.

Diaz attempts to curl a pass towards the far side of the penalty area but Josko Gvardiol intercepts before it reaches Mo Salah.

City burst forward quickly with Jeremy Doku taking on, and beating, Trent Alexander-Arnold. Doku slips the ball into the box for Omar Marmoush but his cutback can’t find a teammate.

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:33 , Mike Jones

3 mins: At the other end of the pitch Kevin De Bruyne skips away from a tackle and drifts out to the right.

He curls a low pass into the penalty area looking for Phil Foden, who is taking on the Erling Haaland role as a centre forward.

Ibrahima Konate turns the ball out for a corner.

Kick off! Man City 0-0 Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:31 , Mike Jones

Liverpool get the ball rolling at the Etihad Stadium.

They work it through the middle before guiding a fine pass across to Mo Salah on the right.

Salah looks for Curtis Jones making a darting run into the box but his pass is deflected away.

Man City vs Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:25 , Mike Jones

The players make their way out onto the pitch at the Etihad Stadium.

This feels like a big game. Manchester City may be a long way back in the title race but they can still hurt Liverpool and slightly hinder their own quest to win the trophy.

A victory over their old rivals may also spark a resurgence in form for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Let’s see how this one plays out. Kick off is up next…

Scorer and creator

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:20 , Mike Jones

Mohamed Salah’s opener at Villa Park on Wednesday was his 15th away league goal this season, the most by a Liverpool player since Gordon Hodgson netted 15 on the road in 1930-31.

Salah has 15 assists in the Premier League this season, equalling the Liverpool record set by Steve McManaman in 1995-96 and five short of the overall record of 20, registered by Thierry Henry in 2002-03 and Kevin de Bruyne in 2019-20.

Ederson’s crucial quality

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:15 , Mike Jones

Ederson has three top-flight assists this season and is vying to become the first goalkeeper to register an assist in three consecutive Premier League appearances.

The only other players to do so in back-to-back appearances are Shay Given in 1998 and Pepe Reina in 2009.

‘A chance for Liverpool to go 11 points clear’

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:14 , Richard Jolly at Etihad Stadium

“A chance for Liverpool to go 11 points clear even if Arsenal’s defeat yesterday means a draw, which would never have been a bad result for Arne Slot, arguably becomes a good one today.

“Yet the City teamsheet could offer Liverpool encouragement: there is no Erling Haaland and Ruben Dias is only a substitute.

“A big day, then, for Abdukodir Khusanov. Nico Gonzalez, meanwhile, could have a lot of work to do in this midfield.”

Pep Guardiola confident Manchester City can match Liverpool in one-off clash

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pep Guardiola accepts Manchester City are not challenging Liverpool for the title this season but is convinced they can still match them on their day.

After winning the Premier League for the past four years, City find themselves in an unfamiliar position outside the race for top spot this season.

Yet City can still have a big say in matters as they host current leaders Liverpool in a headline encounter that has implications for the title picture and the champions’ own relatively modest top-four aims.

Pep Guardiola confident Manchester City can match Liverpool in one-off clash

A leaky defence

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:10 , Mike Jones

Man City are vying to keep back-to-back Premier League clean sheets for the first time this season.

Liverpool’s hot streak

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:05 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are unbeaten in 22 top-flight matches (W15, D7), their longest such run since a 44-game streak between January 2019 and February 2020.

Liverpool and Man City are a world apart this season and the difference is clear

Sunday 23 February 2025 16:00 , Richard Jolly

When Liverpool were looking for Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot ticked a lot of boxes. He had overperformed relative to his budget. He had improved players with his coaching skills. He played the right brand of football. He was seen as a fine communicator.

One factor attracted less attention at the time. Liverpool noted Slot’s approach to sports science, to Feyenoord’s medical record. “At Feyenoord we kept our players fit – available is a better word – but we were always one of the fittest teams in the league as well when it came to running or the last 25 minutes of the game,” Slot said this month. As Liverpool head to the Etihad Stadium today, unbeaten in 22 league games and 17 points clear of the reigning champions, there are smaller numbers their rivals may seek to emulate.

Liverpool and Man City are a world apart this season and the difference is clear

Comeback kings

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:55 , Mike Jones

Man City have scored 20 goals in six league matches this calendar year.

Their shot conversion rate in this run is 24.7%, compared to 9.6% between August and December.

They have won a league-high 17 points from losing positions this season, one more than Liverpool.

Is Liverpool’s form starting to dip?

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:50 , Mike Jones

Liverpool won 23 of 27 league and cup games under Arne Slot prior to January but have failed to win seven of 14 matches (D4, L3) this calendar year.

That includes just two victories in eight away games (D3, L3) in 2025.

Are City’s struggles ending?

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:45 , Mike Jones

Man City have lost 13 games in all competitions this term. It is the highest number of defeats Pep Guardiola has had in a single season during his managerial career.

Yet, Guardiola’s side have accumulated 17 points since Christmas (W5, D2, L1), with only Liverpool and Arsenal boasting a better record in that time.

City’s strong home form

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:40 , Mike Jones

Man City’s only defeat in their last 15 top-flight home matches against Liverpool was a 4-1 loss on 21 November 2015.

That was Jurgen Klopp’s first match at the Etihad as Reds boss.

Man City vs Liverpool team changes

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:37 , Mike Jones

Pep Guardiola has made two changes to the side who beat Newcastle 4-0 last weekend.

Erling Haaland misses out on the squad through injury but Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne start.

For Liverpool, Arne Slot has made just one change to the side who were held to a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Luis Diaz comes in for Diogo Jota as Cody Gakpo returns to the bench.

Can Liverpool win away from home?

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:35 , Mike Jones

Liverpool are vying to win a league game away to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the first time.

The Reds have the chance to claim their third Premier League double against City, having also won both fixtures in the 2005-06 and 2015-16 seasons.

Pep Guardiola hints at Man City clearout in the summer: ‘That is the reality’

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pep Guardiola has indicated a number of his Manchester City squad could be moved on this summer.

City have endured a frustrating campaign by their lofty standards, having fallen well off the pace in the Premier League title race and exited the Champions League before the last-16 stage.

Injuries have been a major factor in the champions’ decline and manager Guardiola conceded time may now be catching up with some of the players.

Pep Guardiola hints at Man City clearout in the summer: ‘That is the reality’

Erling Haaland misses match

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:24 , Mike Jones

Erling Haaland faced a late fitness test to see if he would be ready for today’s match and has probably failed it.

The Norwegian striker missed the game against Real Madrid during the week and has not been included in today’s squad either.

He is nursing a knee injury and seems to be out for a while yet.

Liverpool line-up to face Man City

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:18 , Mike Jones

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Mac Allister, Jones; Diaz

Man City line-up versus Liverpool

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:16 , Mike Jones

Man City XI: Ederson, Lewis, Khusanov, Ake, Gvardiol, Nico Gonzalez, De Bruyne, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Marmoush

Team news on the way…

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, back to today’s proceedings, and it’s almost time for the line-ups at the Etihad. Will Erling Haaland be fit enough to make the Manchester City side?

Bournemouth suffer top-four blow as Wolves boost Premier League survival bid

Sunday 23 February 2025 15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There was perhaps a surprising boost for Manchester City’s top-four hopes yesterday with ten-man Bournemouth drawing a blank as Wolves achieved a vital three points.

Bournemouth suffer top-four blow as Wolves boost Premier League survival bid

Ange Postecoglou details qualities that make Tottenham youngster Archie Gray a special prospect

Sunday 23 February 2025 14:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Archie Gray had another excellent outing for Spurs, overcoming a tricky start to keep Liam Delap quiet. The versatile youngster has been the standout of a tough season for Ange Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou details qualities that make Archie Gray a special prospect

Tottenham extend winning run to continue mini-revival under Ange Postecoglou

Sunday 23 February 2025 14:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Things are looking rather brighter elsewhere in London with Tottenham starting to pick up with their injury crisis (mostly) behind them.

Tottenham extend winning run to continue mini-revival under Ange Postecoglou

Chelsea’s goalkeeping woes continue as Aston Villa grab late win

Sunday 23 February 2025 14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Speaking of familiar problems, Enzo Maresca has goalkeeping issues – again…

Chelsea’s goalkeeping woes continue as Aston Villa grab late win

Manchester United’s illogical comeback can’t hide an alarming trend

Sunday 23 February 2025 14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up at Goodison Park, Manchester United somehow escaped another defeat with a late, late show against Everton – but, as Richard Jolly explains, a draw doesn’t really mask the alarming problems for Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United’s illogical comeback can’t hide an alarming trend

Arsenal ‘deserve’ to feel pain as West Ham deal huge title race blow

Sunday 23 February 2025 14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mikel Arteta was not happy at all with his side, insisting afterwards that the defeat was deserved after a poor showing.

Arsenal ‘deserve’ to feel pain as West Ham deal huge title race blow

Arsenal’s title challenge in tatters as West Ham claim away win

Sunday 23 February 2025 14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Let’s take a look back at some of yesterday’s action on a dramatic Premier League Saturday – and where else to begin but with Arsenal, who are counting the cost of another slip-up against West Ham.

Arsenal’s title challenge in tatters as West Ham claim away win

From gold to old – Man City’s empire has crumbled and the future is uncertain

Sunday 23 February 2025 13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Manchester City’s Champions League campaign is, of course, already over. Richard Jolly was in Madrid to watch their empire continue to crumble:

From gold to old – Man City’s empire has crumbled and the future is uncertain

Liverpool’s route to Champions League final revealed

Sunday 23 February 2025 13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Friday brought the draw for the remaining rounds of the Champions League as Liverpool’s route to the final became clear.

Liverpool’s route to Champions League final revealed

Is Darwin Nunez costing Liverpool? The numbers behind a maligned No 9

Sunday 23 February 2025 13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

How damaging have Darwin Nunez’s misses been to Liverpool this season? The forward offers plenty around the park, clearly, but Lawrence Ostlere has dug into the data to find out how his profligacy has impacted Arne Slot’s side…

Is Darwin Nunez costing Liverpool? The numbers behind a maligned No 9

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website