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Manchester City dismantle Liverpool in Guardiola's 1,000th match
Manchester City delivered a crushing 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, marking Pep Guardiola's 1,000th career match as a manager with a performance that reasserted their Premier League title ambitions. The result narrowed Arsenal's lead at the top to four points while exposing Liverpool's defensive frailties in a fifth loss from their last six league games.
A statement win for Guardiola's revitalized side
After a rare trophyless season in 2023-24, questions lingered over whether Guardiola-now 54-could rebuild a championship-caliber team. Sunday's display provided a resounding answer. City's fluid, high-tempo football overwhelmed Liverpool, with Jeremy Doku's electrifying pace and Erling Haaland's clinical finishing embodying their dominance. Guardiola later called the performance a "gift" from his players, telling reporters,
"I just want to say thank you to the players, the backroom staff, for giving me that present. I'm proud to do it here in Manchester with my City."
The opening goal, a 19-pass move culminating in Haaland's header from Matheus Nunes' cross, encapsulated Guardiola's philosophy. Though Haaland had earlier missed a penalty-saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili after the goalkeeper fouled Doku-the striker notched his 99th Premier League goal before halftime. Nico González's deflected strike doubled the lead, effectively ending the contest before the break.
Liverpool's midfield exposed as struggles deepen
Liverpool's tactical setup backfired spectacularly. Their vulnerable midfield and defense, exploited by City's pressing, left manager Arne Slot fuming over a disallowed Virgil van Dijk header for offside. Replays showed Andy Robertson, in an offside position, ducking in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma-but the goal was ruled out, compounding Liverpool's misery.
The defeat dropped Liverpool to eighth place, eight points adrift of Arsenal and four behind City. Their £450 million summer spending spree has yet to gel, with high-profile signings like Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Alexander Isak (£125m) struggling. Wirtz, taunted by City fans with chants of "what a waste of money," was substituted late, while Isak remained unused amid a groin injury. Conor Bradley, stellar in Liverpool's Champions League win over Real Madrid, was tormented by Doku's physicality and pace.
Doku's breakout season
The 23-year-old Belgian winger, a £55.4 million signing from Rennes in 2023, has evolved from a inconsistent talent into City's creative catalyst. His relentless dribbles and link-up play with Haaland, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva dismantled Liverpool's right flank. Guardiola praised Doku's growth, noting his adaptation to the team's demands after a slow start.
Arsenal warned as City hit stride
While Arsenal remain atop the table, City's performance sent a clear message. Their ability to exploit defensive lapses-Liverpool's Achilles' heel this season-could prove decisive in the title race. Guardiola, reflecting on his milestone, credited his foundational years at Barcelona B for shaping his approach.
"I will never forget the guys in that first season. To reach 1,000 games in front of my family, especially against Liverpool-a club I deeply respect-was special."
With the international break looming, Guardiola urged his squad to "rest and return with energy." For Liverpool, the break offers a chance to regroup-but their title defense already hangs by a thread.
