Mohamed Salah Aims to Extend Dominance Against Manchester City
This weekend, Mohamed Salah will look to maintain his remarkable scoring streak as Liverpool prepares to host Manchester City at Anfield. The stakes are high for both teams, with Liverpool aiming to solidify their position at the top of the Premier League while City seeks to break a long-standing winless streak at Anfield in front of fans.
Liverpool’s current form has been impressive, and a victory against the reigning champions would place them 11 points ahead in the title race. However, a setback could dramatically alter the landscape of the competition. As the match approaches, both teams are bracing for a pivotal encounter that could define their respective seasons.
Salah’s Historic Performance Against City
When it comes to facing Manchester City, Salah’s record speaks volumes. He has scored 11 goals in 20 appearances against them, making him one of the most prolific players in this fixture’s history. Only Liverpool legends Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish, and Gordon Hodgson have scored more against City, with Rush holding the record at 15 goals.
Salah’s ability to find the net at Anfield is particularly noteworthy; he has scored in five of his seven Premier League matches against City at home. The only exceptions were a goalless draw in October 2018 and a match last season where he came on as a substitute. His consistent scoring in high-stakes matches has made him a crucial player for Liverpool, especially in encounters against formidable opponents like City.
In the 2022/23 season, Salah set a remarkable milestone by scoring against City in four different competitions, showcasing his adaptability and importance to the team’s attacking strategy.
Guardiola’s Challenges Before the Match
On the other side, Manchester City is grappling with a series of challenges as they approach this crucial fixture. Following a disappointing home defeat to Tottenham, City has experienced a rare streak of five consecutive losses across all competitions, a situation not seen since the Stuart Pearce era in 2006. This slump has not only affected their confidence but also raised questions about their defensive capabilities, as they have conceded an alarming 17 goals in their last six matches.
Guardiola’s side has historically been strong, but their current form indicates vulnerabilities that Liverpool will likely exploit. City has struggled to recover after conceding the opening goal in several matches this season, and this trend could prove detrimental at Anfield, where the home crowd is known for creating an electrifying atmosphere.
The Ongoing Anfield Drought for City
Manchester City’s woes extend beyond recent form; their record at Anfield is particularly concerning. The last time City won a league match there in front of fans was in May 2003. Since then, Liverpool has established Anfield as a fortress against City, adding pressure to Guardiola’s side as they prepare to face one of their most challenging away fixtures.
The last three league encounters at Anfield have ended in draws, but there is a clear imbalance in historical results. City’s last victory at Anfield in a league match was in February 2021, which took place behind closed doors due to the pandemic. Fans will be eager to witness if City can finally break this curse or if Liverpool will extend their dominance.
Current Scorers: Who to Watch
As both teams gear up for this intense clash, it’s important to note the current top scorers. For Liverpool, Salah leads the charts with 12 goals, supported by players like Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, who have also made significant contributions to the team’s scoring efforts. On the City side, Erling Haaland is proving to be a prolific force with 17 goals this season, making him a key player to watch in Liverpool’s defensive setup.
Both teams will rely on their star players to make the difference in this high-stakes match. With Salah’s impressive record against City and Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess, fans are in for an exciting showdown.
As fans prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable match, the anticipation builds around Salah’s potential to shine once again against Manchester City, while Guardiola’s side grapples with the pressure to overcome their historical challenges at Anfield.