Liverpool moments before Pep Guardiola's touchline collapse spoke volumes at Anfield

The eruption of joy was so intense that it probably resonated as far away as Manchester and perhaps even London. When Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot, securing Liverpool a two-goal lead, the Anfield crowd knew the task was finally accomplished.

The Kop, while not nervous, felt a growing unease as Manchester City increased the pressure on the Liverpool defense in a bid to equalize Cody Gakpo's opening goal. The initial celebration of Salah's goal turned into a deafening roar in the 80th minute, with the stadium echoing to the sound of “Allez, Allez, Allez”.

It was one of those moments that had to be experienced personally – a collective realization that not only had City been defeated, but Liverpool had also overcome another significant obstacle in their unexpected Premier title challenge League in Arne Slot's inaugural season.

Shortly afterwards, a visibly agitated Pep Guardiola was seen on the touchline, raising six fingers to the home crowd, referring to the number of titles he had won with City.

However, the move also highlighted the disparity in European titles between the two clubs, with Liverpool having won the honor six times, a feat City have yet to match. Undeniably, the Manchester team was the locomotive of the modern era.

That makes their current slide – a sixth defeat in seven matches in all competitions and a fourth successive defeat in the Premier League – all the more shocking. Liverpool seized the opportunity from the start, launching an aggressive attack against a visibly anxious and hurting city.

However, until Salah's goal, there was a feeling that the visitors could escape another lackluster performance due to their high caliber. Not this time.

As happened five seasons ago when Liverpool last won the title, a home win against City at this stage of the season created a gap that ultimately became decisive. Back then it was nine points, now it's 11.

Arsenal and Chelsea, both in good form, are now Liverpool's closest competitors, still nine points behind. Both teams will recognize, however, that this Liverpool team will be difficult to dislodge from first place.

Go, go, go indeed.