Gary Neville pinpoints moment Liverpool title stance changed as 'expectation' clear for Arne Slot

Gary Neville believes the Premier League title is Liverpool's to lose after Arne Slot's side beat Manchester City 2-0.

Goals in each half from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah saw the Reds beat Man City, moving Liverpool 11 points clear of Pep Guardiola's side. And it also meant Slot has now won 18 of the 20 games he has managed Liverpool in since he took over from Jurgen Klopp.

At present, the Premier League title race sees Liverpool leading second and third placed Arsenal and Chelsea by nine points. City's dismal form of late means they are not even in the top four at the moment, sitting behind fourth placed Brighton on goal difference.

• Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Man City as Mohamed Salah and 3 more exceptional

• Arne Slot has no sympathy for Pep Guardiola as Liverpool boss addresses Anfield taunts

This week, the Reds play twice, travelling to St James' Park on Wednesday night to play an out of form Newcastle, before returning to Merseyside to play Everton in the final derby at Goodison Park before the Toffees move.

And speaking after Liverpool's win over City, Neville has revealed he believes history is on the Reds side when it comes to the title race. "It is an unbelievable performance from Liverpool - from Arne Slot, the people who have appointed him, the players most of all who have got behind him," Neville said speaking on his Sky Sports podcast.

"None of us expected it and I don't think Liverpool fans expected it either. It gets really serious now. It has gone from a honeymoon period and a great start to 'could Liverpool win the title?' a few weeks ago.

"Now there is a real expectation. They are very strong favourites for the title, nine points clear of Arsenal and 11 clear of City. There are still four or five months to go and the title race doesn't usually start until April.

"It seems crazy and these are unusual things for me to say because I wouldn't ordinarily say it. I am not saying Liverpool are definitely going to win the league but there is no doubt there is an expectation.

"No team has ever lost it from this position after such a strong start. History is on Liverpool and Arne Slot's side. I think they will have a difficult patch at some point and drop points but then it is up to Arsenal and City to capitalize.

"Arsenal has to win five or six games on the bounce and then Liverpool draws two games, the gap is five points. There is a long way to go but the others have a lot of work to do."

Liverpool.com says: "Neville is right, history is on Liverpool's side and you'd rather lead the pack than have to chase down the leaders. Liverpool have two massive tests this week in what will be hostile environments. Newcastle were dismal against Crystal Palace and West Ham in their last two outings, but have produced good performances against the likes of Arsenal, and a Man City side who were in better form at the time at St James'. Then, next weekend, Slot and co travel to Goodison Park for one final Merseyside derby at Everton's home ground before they move to Bramley Moore."