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“We’re not really here,” the mantra long chanted by Manchester City fans, once again prefaced their latest showdown with Liverpool.

And long before the final whistle of a potentially defining match in the Premier League title race, many home supporters were indeed nowhere to be seen.

But while yawning gaps of blue seats appeared across the Etihad, there was one section of the stadium where those present were revelling in what they were witnessing.

The travelling Kop were racing through this season’s songbook before settling on a tune that implored outgoing champions City hand over the Premier League trophy.

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For good reason did those supporters feel sufficiently confident to make such a demand given the manner in which Liverpool comprehensively capitalised on Arsenal’s shock defeat at home to West Ham United the previous day.

A weekend during which the Reds could have seen their lead at the Premier League summit cut to five points has instead seen them extend the advantage to a whopping 11 points.

Yes, the Gunners have a game in hand

But with only 11 matches remaining for Liverpool – and seven of those at home, starting with Newcastle United on Wednesday – the momentum is now firmly with Arne Slot’s side., now unbeaten in 23 top-flight outings.

Having done the hard work during the opening two-thirds of this season to give themselves a chance of claiming the Premier League crown, this has become, dare it be said, Liverpool’s title to lose.

Not that the Reds have shown any sign of wilting under the undoubted pressure and expectation to succeed

Supposedly their toughest test of the season, this win over City was the statement victory their title challenge has deserved.

The desire, endeavour, talent and tactical nous that has put the Reds in such a strong position in the table was all evident here, most decisively in the brilliantly-crafted first-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.

A first league win at the Etihad in almost a decade for Liverpool, this was also a triumph for Slot over City counterpart Pep Guardiola, his decision to play a box midfield and no recognised forwards giving the home side a puzzle they simply didn’t look like solving

The challenge now is for Slot and his players to bring home that 20th championship crown.


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