Liverpool knew how big their first win at Manchester City in the Premier League in almost 10 years was. They hesitated to say it but they knew. Everyone knows. Arne Slot and his players celebrated with the Liverpool fans in the Manchester rain like a team who knew they are almost there in the title race.

Certainly, if Mohamed Salah keeps this up, the title will be won in time for Arsenal to give them a guard of honor at Anfield in May. For the 11th time this season, the presumptive Ballon d'Or winner graced a game with a goal and assist. The previous high watermark in a Premier League campaign was 11. It is February.

Virgil van Dijk was stony-faced. So was Alisson Becker. The two of them banged their chests and waved their fists in the driving rain, but the look they both gave Liverpool’s joyous fans was one of defiance and steely focus, eyes fixed firmly on the prize.