Liverpool dominates Premier League race while Manchester City falters

In England, Liverpool has taken a commanding position in the Premier League following their recent match against Manchester City at Anfield on December 15, 2024. The match ended with Liverpool claiming a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah. The win marks an impressive shift in the league standings, with Liverpool now nine points clear of second-place Arsenal and a significant eleven points ahead of Manchester City, who find themselves in fifth place and facing a crisis in their form. This victory came during a challenging time for Manchester City, who have struggled to replicate their previous success, having not won a league match in seven attempts. Losses and draws have plagued their season, which is marked by a concerning trend of inconsistent performances. City's difficulties are compounded by key injuries, particularly the loss of midfield anchor Rodri to a serious injury. This absence has had a cascading effect on their overall performance, contributing to an apparent breakdown in team dynamics and strategy. On the contrary, Liverpool's success under new manager Arne Slot has brought a renewed sense of purpose and effectiveness to the team. Following an impressive streak of victories, including a recent win against Real Madrid, Slot has successfully maintained and built upon the foundation laid by former manager Jurgen Klopp. With an effective tactical deployment, Liverpool has demonstrated an ability to control matches and exploit opponents' weaknesses, exemplified in their recent match against City where they dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities. The recent match was characterized by Liverpool's high-paced attacking style, putting immense pressure on Manchester City's rearguard. Liverpool demonstrated a well-organized approach, with Gakpo scoring early, prompting City to chase the game from the outset. While City attempted to regain control, they failed to create significant goal-scoring opportunities, largely due to Liverpool's robust defense led by Virgil van Dijk. Salah’s late penalty sealed the victory and highlighted the contrast in confidence levels between the two teams at present. The match showcased Liverpool's accomplishments while starkly illustrating City's current predicament, leaving fans and pundits questioning the direction of Pep Guardiola’s once-dominant side.