Exploring Liverpool’s Most Pivotal Wins on the Road to Their 20th Premier League Title: A Journey from Old Trafford to the Etihad Stadium

Liverpool have claimed the title of 2024-25 Premier League champions, marking a significant achievement in their storied history. This success was not just about the final whistle; it was a journey filled with crucial matches that defined their campaign. Here, we delve into what many consider to be their five most essential victories that propelled them towards a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.

Thrilling Showdown: Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool – 1 September 2024

Defeating Manchester United is always a momentous occasion, but this victory held extra weight given the context of the season. While United struggled with a disappointing record, suffering 15 losses in 34 Premier League matches, Liverpool’s triumph felt monumental. Previously, Liverpool’s aspirations during the 2023-24 campaign had been severely compromised by two challenging visits to Old Trafford. The Reds endured a heart-wrenching 4-3 loss in the FA Cup quarter-finals, followed by a frustrating 2-2 draw that hindered their title ambitions.

For new manager Arne Slot, facing Liverpool’s historic rivals in only his third match was a daunting task, particularly with critics questioning his ability to fill the sizeable shoes of Jürgen Klopp. After winning their first two matches against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth, Slot was eager to prove himself against a formidable opponent. Liverpool’s performance was nothing short of spectacular; they dismantled United, even having a goal from Trent Alexander-Arnold disallowed by VAR for offside.

With two goals from Luis Díaz and another from Mohamed Salah, Liverpool cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory, marking their third consecutive win without conceding a goal. This match not only showcased Liverpool’s attacking prowess but also highlighted Slot’s successful start as he became the first Liverpool manager to achieve victory against United in his first encounter since Bob Paisley in November 1975.

Slot’s achievement was significant; he became only the second Liverpool manager to win his first away meeting against United after George Kay in November 1936. Salah’s goal, marking his 10th in nine appearances at Old Trafford across all competitions, placed him in the elite company of players who have scored over 10 goals at a single away ground since the inception of the Premier League. Liverpool’s confidence surged, and while they faced a setback with a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in their next match, they remained determined.

Dominating Performance: Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City – 1 December 2024

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City has produced some of the most thrilling encounters in Premier League history. As the two teams prepared to meet, City found themselves trailing Liverpool by eight points, a gap that could have widened or shrunk depending on the outcome of this match. However, the Reds showcased their formidable form, proving their superiority on the pitch at Anfield.

In a match that was as one-sided as the scoreline suggested, Liverpool outperformed City, registering 18 shots compared to their opponents’ eight. The expected goals (xG) for Liverpool stood at 3.57, dwarfing City’s meager 0.84. Mohamed Salah played a crucial role, assisting Cody Gakpo for the opener and later converting a penalty to secure a 2-0 victory, extending Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to a remarkable nine points.

This victory was particularly significant for Liverpool as it marked a low point for City, who suffered their fourth consecutive league defeat, a streak they hadn’t experienced since August 2008. This match also marked a unique moment in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career, as it was the first time he encountered such a losing streak. Liverpool’s dominant performance not only solidified their position in the title race but also set the stage for the upcoming festive fixtures.

High-Scoring Thriller: Tottenham Hotspur 3-6 Liverpool – 22 December 2024

Liverpool’s previous visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium left a bitter taste, having lost 2-1 due to a last-minute own goal, compounded by a red card for Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones that reduced them to nine men. The match was marred by VAR controversy as a potential goal from Luis Díaz was disallowed despite indications that it should have stood. However, Liverpool was ready to exorcise those demons in this much-anticipated rematch.

From the outset, Liverpool displayed their attacking intent, leading 3-1 at the break and extending their advantage to 5-1 shortly after the hour mark. Though Spurs managed to score two late goals, Liverpool’s offensive onslaught culminated in a remarkable 6-3 victory, showcasing their attacking depth and resilience. Liverpool recorded a staggering expected goals (xG) total of 5.63, the highest for any team in a single Premier League match that season.

As always, Salah was at the heart of the action, contributing two goals and two assists to the team’s tally. This performance marked the sixth season in which Salah achieved double figures in both goals and assists, surpassing the previous record held by Wayne Rooney. His remarkable consistency not only highlights his individual brilliance but also underscores his vital role in Liverpool’s ongoing success.

Completing the festive period, Liverpool found themselves atop the league table on Christmas Day for the 21st time, a record that underlines their historical dominance during this period. Historically, they have gone on to clinch the title in 12 of those seasons, further solidifying their status as a powerhouse in English football.

Crucial Away Win: Brentford 0-2 Liverpool – 18 January 2025

While a win against Brentford may not initially seem monumental in the grand scheme of a title-winning season, this match held substantial implications. Coming off back-to-back draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Liverpool faced a critical juncture. As the match entered stoppage time with the score still 0-0, the stakes were high, particularly with Arsenal set to play later that day.

Darwin Núñez, who had struggled for form with just five goals in 26 appearances, emerged as the hero when he scored twice in a matter of minutes, turning the tide for Liverpool. His goals in the 91st and 93rd minutes not only secured the three points but also allowed Liverpool to maintain a six-point lead at the top of the table, as Arsenal faltered in their match against Aston Villa.

This performance was remarkable, with Liverpool amassing a staggering 37 shots, the most any team has recorded in a Premier League match that season. To add injury to insult, Núñez’s goals came from their 36th and 37th attempts, highlighting their relentless attacking effort.

Furthermore, this win marked Liverpool’s joint most shots in a Premier League match since the 2003-04 season, matching their record against Everton in April 2016. The victory propelled them to 50 points from their first 21 league matches, a remarkable feat only matched by their previous title-winning seasons in 2019-20 and 2018-19.

Impressive Away Victory: Manchester City 0-2 Liverpool – 23 February 2025

By this point in the season, Manchester City found themselves significantly trailing Liverpool by 17 points, although they had a game in hand. The Etihad Stadium, a venue that historically posed challenges for Liverpool, felt like a potential pitfall. However, Liverpool approached the match with a disciplined and professional attitude, aiming to solidify their lead at the top of the table.

Despite having only 33.9% possession—Liverpool’s lowest in a Premier League victory—the Reds capitalized on their chances effectively. Goals from Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai in the first half provided a solid foundation, while a resolute defensive display ensured they secured the three points. This performance was particularly impressive, as they limited City to just 0.65 xG, the lowest recorded by City in a Premier League home game since February 2021.

This triumphant win marked the first time Liverpool had completed a league double over City since Klopp’s inaugural season in 2015-16, further emphasizing their dominance in the title race. The victory expanded their lead to 11 points over Arsenal, the largest margin they had achieved at that stage of the season. Most observers recognized that it wasn’t solely the points that underscored Liverpool’s championship credentials; it was the unmatched quality of their performances throughout the campaign.

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