Jérémy Doku lit up the Etihad Stadium with a dazzling display as Manchester City crushed Liverpool 3-0 to announce their Premier League title intentions. The 23-year-old winger’s pace, flair, and fearlessness tore through Liverpool’s defence, inspiring one of City’s most complete performances of the season.
From the first whistle, Doku was electric — twisting, turning, and leaving defenders chasing shadows. Nicknamed “The Count” for his smooth, spellbinding style, Doku’s footwork and composure were unplayable. His trademark feint, dubbed “The Wand,” repeatedly left Liverpool’s stars rooted as he glided past them with ease.
His goal came after an hour of tormenting Liverpool’s backline. Picking up the ball on the left, Doku sized up Ibrahima Konaté, jinked to his right, and unleashed a fierce strike into the far corner. It was a moment of brilliance that summed up his afternoon — power, precision, and confidence.
By the time he was substituted, City were cruising at 3-0, and Doku had completed seven dribbles — more than every other player on the pitch combined. His explosive acceleration and balance made him unplayable on a damp Manchester night that seemed made for his brand of footballing artistry.
Pep Guardiola’s young side showcased their evolution in style. With Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva interchanging fluidly behind Erling Haaland, City’s movement overwhelmed Liverpool’s fragile midfield. Matheus Nunes provided the assist for Haaland’s opener, a towering header that set the tone early on.
While Liverpool had moments — including a disallowed goal — they were second-best throughout. Florian Wirtz worked tirelessly, but the champions looked disjointed and out of ideas. Having already lost five league games, their title defence now looks effectively over.
For Guardiola, the night was special — his 1,000th match as a manager marked by a performance that encapsulated his footballing philosophy: control, creativity, and collective brilliance. City have now won five of their last six league matches and look primed to mount a serious title challenge once again.
As Arsenal watch nervously from the top, Doku’s performance could be remembered as the spark that reignited City’s campaign — a night when joy, rhythm, and artistry returned to the Etihad in full flow.
