Man City 3-0 Liverpool: Doku Shines in Guardiola’s 1,000th Game
Man City 3-0 Liverpool saw Jeremy Doku produce a dazzling display to mark Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th match in management as City climbed to second in the Premier League. Goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Doku sealed a statement win at the Etihad Stadium, exposing Liverpool’s struggles under Arne Slot.
Haaland Opens the Scoring
City’s dominance began early as Haaland shrugged off a missed penalty to head home his 99th Premier League goal. Despite Giorgi Mamardashvili saving the initial spot kick, Haaland responded quickly, converting a header after fine work from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva.
City’s tempo was relentless, and Jeremy Doku’s pace repeatedly tormented Liverpool’s defence. The Belgian winger found pockets of space and beat his markers with ease, setting the tone for a one-sided encounter.
Gonzalez and Doku Seal City’s Victory
Nico Gonzalez doubled City’s lead in first-half stoppage time after his effort deflected off Virgil van Dijk, leaving Mamardashvili stranded. Doku then capped his brilliant performance with a sensational strike midway through the second half — his first Premier League goal of the season — ending any faint Liverpool hopes of a comeback.
Player of the Match Doku was at the heart of everything positive for City, creating chances and drawing fouls with his trickery. The 22-year-old’s fearless play was the embodiment of Guardiola’s attacking philosophy.
Liverpool’s Disallowed Goal and Struggles
Virgil van Dijk thought he had equalised with a header, but Andrew Robertson was adjudged offside during the build-up — a call that Liverpool boss Arne Slot described as “influential” and inconsistent with previous decisions.
Slot admitted his side were “poor” in the first half, lamenting their lack of freshness after keeping the same lineup that beat Real Madrid midweek. Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz failed to make an impact, while Hugo Ekitike remained isolated up front.
Pep’s Milestone Victory
For Guardiola, this win carried special meaning. It marked his 1,000th career game as a manager — a milestone achieved with typical dominance. The Catalan now boasts 715 victories across spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, alongside 12 league titles and three Champions League trophies.
“The numbers are insane,” Guardiola told BBC Sport. “We’ve won incredible things in Barcelona, Munich, and here. Hopefully, we can continue.”
City Back in Title Hunt
The result lifted City to second in the Premier League, just four points behind leaders Arsenal, while Liverpool slipped to eighth after their fifth league defeat in 11 matches. Guardiola’s men have now collected the most points of any side since April, dispelling talk of a decline.
With Rodri still sidelined, City’s depth and adaptability shone — Rayan Cherki and Bernardo Silva orchestrating play, while Doku and Foden stretched the wings. For Arne Slot, questions will grow about his side’s fatigue, discipline, and waning confidence.
Player Ratings (Highlights)
Manchester City: Donnarumma (7), Nunes (7), Dias (7), Gvardiol (7), O’Reilly (7), Nico (7), Bernardo (7), Foden (7), Cherki (7), Doku (9), Haaland (7).
Liverpool: Mamardashvili (7), Bradley (6), Konate (5), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (6), Gravenberch (6), Mac Allister (6), Szoboszlai (7), Salah (6), Wirtz (6), Ekitike (6).
Player of the Match: Jeremy Doku.
City look rejuvenated — and if Doku continues in this form, Pep Guardiola’s side could soon reclaim their Premier League crown.
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