The leaders widen the gap at the top to nine points

Liverpool secured a vital 2-0 win over Manchester City at Anfield to move nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah were the heroes, each finding the net to ensure the hosts took the three points.

The match started at a frenetic pace, and Liverpool immediately took the initiative.

The Reds almost broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when Virgil van Dijk's powerful header from a corner rattled the post.

However, it didn't take long for Liverpool to capitalize on their dominance. Just a minute later, with a brilliant move down the right, Trent Alexander-Arnold with a precise pass to Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian, instead of shooting, unselfishly passed the ball to Cody Gakpo, who slotted home from close range to give Liverpool an early 1-0 lead.

GET IN THERE!!!!! 🤩🔴 #LIVMCI pic.twitter.com/NEhKA1wIhb

– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 1, 2024

Manchester City, subdued in the first half, struggled to find their rhythm.

Pep Guardiola's side were limited to speculative efforts, with a rare chance falling to Rico Luis in the 39th minute, but his shot went wide.

The Reds went into the break with a deserved lead, having outplayed their visitors in almost every department.

Guardiola made adjustments at the break, bringing in fresh legs in Jeremy Doku and Savinho to inject pace and creativity into City's attack.

The visitors saw more of the ball but lacked the cutting edge to really test Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

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– Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 1, 2024

The turning point came in the 77th minute when Darwin Nunez, recently introduced as a substitute, pressured City's defense into a mistake.

Manuel Akanji's weak header was saved by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega allowing Luis Diaz to pounce.

Ortega's desperate kick brought Diaz down in the box, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Salah stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, doubling Liverpool's lead and all but securing victory.

Tempers flared late in the game when Salah and Bernardo Silva exchanged words following a disputed challenge, but the situation was quickly calmed down.

Manchester City's frustrations were compounded when substitute Kevin De Bruyne was denied by an excellent double save from Kelleher in the 83rd minute.