Liverpool’s jubilant supporters made their feelings clear at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday night as they serenaded their team’s dominant performance with chants of “We’re going to win the league.”
The declaration came with 90 seconds left in their emphatic 2-0 victory over Manchester City, a result that all but confirms their status as the likely 2024 Premier League champions.
Head coach Arne Slot, who took the reins from Jurgen Klopp, has guided Liverpool seamlessly through the season, orchestrating a campaign reminiscent of the club’s storied past under legendary figures like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, and Joe Fagan.
Now, the coveted league title, often referred to as the “bread and butter” by those greats, appears destined for Anfield once more.
A Decisive Blow in the Title Race
Liverpool’s latest triumph, coupled with Arsenal’s surprise 2-0 defeat to West Ham at the Emirates on Saturday, has left the Reds with an 11-point cushion at the top of the table with just 11 matches remaining.
While the race is not mathematically over, the psychological impact of such a lead at this stage of the season is undeniable.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have dominated English football in recent years, turning the Etihad into a fortress where multiple title celebrations have taken place.
But this time, it was Liverpool’s fans who made their voices heard, urging City to “hand it over” in acknowledgment of the inevitable.
The defeat leaves City trailing in third place, while Arsenal—Liverpool’s closest challengers—are facing an uphill battle. Even with a game in hand, Mikel Arteta’s side now requires near-perfection for the remainder of the campaign, a daunting prospect given their recent inconsistencies.
Slot Plays It Cautious, But History Tells a Different Story
Despite Liverpool’s commanding position, Arne Slot was quick to temper expectations, stating that the 11-point lead is “not comfortable” and that his team will need to remain focused until the title is secured. However, history suggests otherwise.
Liverpool have lost just one league game all season, a shock 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest back in September. Their relentless form, particularly at Anfield—where they will play seven of their final 11 matches—makes a collapse highly improbable.
By contrast, Arsenal have shown a tendency to falter under pressure. Last season, they surrendered an eight-point lead in the closing stages of the campaign, ultimately allowing Manchester City to overtake them.
While Arteta’s side has undoubtedly improved, the task of overhauling an 11-point deficit against a team as relentless as Liverpool appears insurmountable.
Final Stretch Beckons for Liverpool
With the title race all but decided, Liverpool now have the luxury of managing their squad carefully, balancing their league commitments with European ambitions. While Slot may insist the job is not done, the atmosphere at the Etihad on Sunday suggested otherwise.
The Premier League trophy may not yet be in Liverpool’s hands, but after a statement victory in Manchester, their grip on it has never been firmer.
