Salah and Van Dijk Lead Liverpool Closer to Premier League Triumph | OneFootball

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.

Photo: IMAGO

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.

Photo: IMAGO

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.

Photo: IMAGO

Experience and the Last Dance?

Yet, as much as this season feels like Liverpool’s resurgence, it might also represent the end of an era. Salah and Van Dijk, the spine of this squad, are now in their early 30s, and with their contracts winding down, uncertainty looms.

Negotiations over new deals continue behind closed doors, but there is a sense that both players are giving their all as if this were their swansong. It’s a mentality that has driven this team forward. While other Premier League sides, notably Arsenal and Manchester City, have faltered due to inconsistency, Liverpool have thrived under pressure, displaying the kind of resolve that champions are made of.

Their numbers tell the story. With 67 points from 27 games, Liverpool are outperforming even Manchester City’s treble-winning form of the previous campaign. In fact, only five teams in Premier League history have amassed more points at this stage of the season.

Beyond the league, their dominance in Europe is equally impressive. Slot’s men breezed through the Champions League’s new league format, winning seven consecutive games against top-tier opponents like Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and Milan. The shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle was an anomaly in what has been an otherwise flawless campaign.

Home Comforts and a Clear Path to Glory

A critical factor in Liverpool’s dominance has been their ability to navigate a tough fixture schedule. Of their remaining 11 league games, seven will be played at Anfield—a stadium where they have suffered just a handful of league defeats since 2017. Even if Liverpool’s intensity dips slightly in the final months, their current lead gives them breathing room.

Slot, ever the pragmatist, remains cautious. “In every other league, a lead like this would be very comfortable,” he remarked after the victory over City. “In this league, every single game gives you a lot of challenges.”

And Liverpool have certainly been tested. Their gruelling recent schedule included a high-octane 2-2 Merseyside derby draw against Everton, a tense 2-1 victory over Wolves, and another 2-2 battle against Aston Villa. But the defining moment came at the Etihad.

Manchester City, though no longer the indomitable force they once were, still represent the highest level of competition in English football. Guardiola’s men had only suffered defeats to elite European sides like Real Madrid and PSG in recent months. Liverpool’s win was not just a statement—it was a demonstration of superiority.

Photo IMAGO

Tactical Mastery and a Team in Sync

Unlike their December clash at Anfield, where Slot described Liverpool’s performance as “close to perfection,” this was a different kind of display—one defined by maturity, discipline, and composure. Where City’s young wingers Jeremy Doku and Savinho showed flashes of brilliance but lacked end product, Liverpool’s attack, spearheaded by Salah, was ruthless and efficient.

Liverpool’s defensive organisation, marshalled by the imperious Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, forced City into half-chances and speculative efforts. In contrast, Salah tormented City’s backline, creating chaos on the right flank against Nathan Aké and Joško Gvardiol.

The opening goal, arriving in the 14th minute, was a moment of set-piece ingenuity. Liverpool’s threat from corners has been minimal this season, yet a clever routine saw Alexis Mac Allister’s delivery flicked on by Szoboszlai into Salah’s path. The Egyptian’s finish was unerring, and Slot’s reaction—praising his assistant coach Aaron Briggs for masterminding the move—spoke volumes about Liverpool’s meticulous preparation.

Szoboszlai himself was a revelation, operating as a false nine and constantly pulling City’s defenders out of position. His goal, a clinical finish from Salah’s precise pass, sealed the victory before half-time.

Focused on the Finish Line

As Liverpool’s supporters belted out “We’re gonna win the league,” there was a clear contrast between their measured celebrations and the exuberance Arsenal showed after their win over City weeks prior. The Reds know this race isn’t over yet.

Unlike their London rivals, whose players appeared to treat their win over City as an achievement in itself, Liverpool’s squad understands that this is merely another step in their journey. They’ve been here before. The likes of Alisson, Van Dijk, and Salah have lifted the trophy before, and they know the job is not done until the silverware is in their hands.

“We need to stay focused,” Salah emphasised post-match. “It’s incredible to win here, but there’s still a long way to go.”

That’s the difference. Where others see milestones, Liverpool see stepping stones. With their experience, hunger, and tactical discipline, they are inching ever closer to reclaiming their Premier League crown.