Liverpool's Statement Win: Dominance at Anfield, but City Are Not as Bad as They Look

There was a moment, deep into Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, when it felt like the baton had been officially passed. Anfield erupted, Arne Slot punched the air, and Pep Guardiola’s side—once the unshakable force of English football—looked like a team struggling to keep pace.

Liverpool’s win wasn’t just about three points; it was a confirmation of their dominance this season. They have scored more goals than anyone (64), have the best expected goals (xG) tally (66.51), and take more shots in dangerous areas than any other team. But while City might seem like a side in decline, the data suggests they are not as far off as the table might imply.

 

Liverpool's Ruthlessness In Attack

One of the standout aspects of Liverpool’s performance—both in this match and across the season—has been their ability to generate high-quality chances. They lead the league in goals scored from open play (53) and have taken the most shots from inside the penalty area (287), translating that into a league-high 45 goals. Slot’s side is not just shooting more than others; they are shooting smarter, making their dominance feel inevitable.

City, in contrast, have struggled in crucial attacking moments. Despite having the second-most goals from open play (45) and sitting third overall in scoring (52), their xG suggests they should be finishing even better. A team with their quality and a coach like Guardiola will inevitably correct this trend, but for now, it makes them look less clinical than usual.

 

City’s Issues: Not as Bad as They Seem

The 2-0 defeat might suggest a gulf in quality, but City’s underlying numbers reveal a different story. They are still one of the most dominant teams in possession, ranking second in deep completed passes (305) and leading the league in passes allowed per defensive action (PPDA) at 16.41—meaning they control the ball better than any other side. They also have the most shots taken in the first 15 minutes of games (69), showing their ability to start on the front foot.

However, their slow build-up approach has not yielded results. They have taken the most shots in ‘slow’ attack sequences (57) but have only scored five times, an inefficiency that Liverpool (51 shots, six goals) have managed to avoid. City’s style of play remains intricate, but against a Liverpool side that thrives on directness and speed, they struggled to turn that control into clear-cut chances.

 

The Bigger Picture

This game was a reminder that Liverpool are now the team to beat. They have the sharpest attack, the best transition play, and the numbers to back it all up. But for all the talk of City’s decline, their numbers suggest they are still an elite side—just one that needs to rediscover its ruthlessness.

A City side that ranks among the best in shots taken, xG, and possession will not stay down for long. But in a season where Liverpool are executing their plan to near perfection, the question is whether City can find solutions in time—or whether the Premier League’s power shift is already complete.