GAME OF THRONES

Slot gives Pep a hefty kick in crown duel

- JEREMY CROSS

MANCHESTER CITY'S seat on the throne of English football was ripped from underneath them by the team destined to become the kings come May.

And it all left Pep Guardiola flat on his backside and Liverpool looking down on a man whose empire is burning to the ground.

On an astonishing afternoon at Anfield, Arne Slot's impeccable side made the reigning champions look like one from a pub down the East Lancs Road.

The gulf in class was something to behold. If it had been a boxing fight, it would have been stopped inside three rounds.

Liverpool threw all the punches, while City just stood there and took them.

Cody Gakpo popped up on 12 minutes to put Liverpool ahead after converting Mo Salah's sublime cross.