The Etihad Stadium, usually a fortress for Manchester City, became a stage for Liverpool's most emphatic statement of intent yet.

A 2-0 victory over Pep Guardiola's side, coupled with Arsenal's shock defeat to West Ham, leaves Liverpool 11 points clear at the Premier League summit. With only 11 matches remaining and the Reds in imperious form, it is becoming increasingly difficult to argue against the inevitable: Liverpool are champions in waiting.

As the final moments ticked away in Manchester, Liverpool's traveling supporters serenaded the Etihad with chants of "We're going to win the league," their voices echoing through rows of vacant sky-blue seats.

This wasn’t mere bravado - it was a declaration rooted in confidence and reality. Liverpool’s dominance this season, spearheaded by head coach Arne Slot, has been nothing short of remarkable.

Slot, who seamlessly succeeded Jurgen Klopp, has built on the foundations of his predecessor while injecting his own tactical innovations. Under his guidance, Liverpool’s balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair has left rivals trailing in their wake.

As former Manchester United captain Roy Keane put it: “It is all over. Manchester City have been amazing the last few years, but you're looking at Liverpool as the new champions.”

The weekend’s results marked a potential turning point in the title race. Arsenal, who entered their clash against West Ham still hoping to challenge, succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at home. This was their first Premier League loss since November, and the timing could not have been worse.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have navigated recent challenges with resilience. Nervy performances against Everton, Wolves, and Aston Villa raised questions about their ability to handle the pressure of the run-in. However, the victory over City was the perfect response. As Jamie Carragher noted: “Beating Manchester City home and away is as big a statement as you can make.”

The Reds’ 11-point cushion now feels insurmountable. Even Arsenal’s game in hand appears inconsequential given their inconsistent form and mounting injury woes.

Slot may have downplayed the significance of the gap, stating, “In every other league a lead like this would be very comfortable, but not in this one,” but history suggests otherwise.

Liverpool’s consistency has been the cornerstone of their campaign. They have lost just once in the league all season—a surprising home defeat to Nottingham Forest in September. Since then, they have rarely faltered, showcasing the hallmarks of champions: resilience, intensity, and clinical efficiency.

Arsenal, by contrast, appear to be unravelling. Despite an impressive 15-match unbeaten run earlier in the season, they have now lost two of their last three games in all competitions. Injuries to key players and a congested fixture schedule have exposed their lack of depth, leaving them struggling to maintain momentum.

Liverpool’s path to the title is further eased by their upcoming fixtures. After hosting European-chasing Newcastle United on Wednesday, their schedule through March and April includes five matches against bottom-half opponents. Although they will juggle Champions League commitments and an EFL Cup final, the relatively light domestic calendar provides breathing room.

Arsenal, on the other hand, face a much sterner test. Trips to Nottingham Forest and Manchester United are followed by back-to-back London derbies against Chelsea and Fulham. With a depleted squad and mounting pressure, their hopes of mounting a late challenge seem increasingly remote.

Liverpool’s dominance this season stems from a combination of individual brilliance and collective effort. Mohamed Salah, with 25 Premier League goals and 16 assists, continues to define games with his hunger and versatility.

Yet his influence extends beyond the scoresheet, as he selflessly contributes defensively and leads by example. “We need another title,” Salah said post-match. “Me and the big guys in the team, we need another title.”

Slot’s leadership has also been pivotal. The Dutchman’s ability to organise and inspire has ensured Liverpool remain focused on their objectives. He has navigated challenges with composure, refusing to be drawn into premature celebrations. “The fans can sing what they want, but we know how hard we have to work,” he remarked.

Even Guardiola, whose City side have dominated English football in recent years, appeared resigned to Liverpool’s ascension. After the final whistle, he warmly congratulated Slot and personally sought out each Liverpool player for a handshake.

Guardiola knows a title-winning side when he sees one, and his actions spoke louder than words.

Seemingly insurmountable leads have been overturned in the Premier League before, but not at this stage of the season and not by a team as complete as Liverpool.

The comparisons to Manchester United’s 1997-98 collapse, when they squandered an 11-point advantage to Arsenal, feel misplaced. Liverpool’s solitary league defeat this season is a testament to their consistency and resilience.

As the Etihad’s drenched seats bear witness to Liverpool’s triumph, the chants of “We shall not be moved” ring truer than ever. This is a team that looks unshakeable, and their 11-point lead is a mountain too steep for Arsenal or any other challenger to climb.