Manchester City delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, sending a clear message in the Premier League title race. Jérémy Doku was the star of the show, tormenting the Liverpool defence with his blistering pace and creativity, as Pep Guardiola’s men marked his 1,000th game as a manager in style.
Manchester City
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was sharp when called upon, denying Dominik Szoboszlai with a fine save and maintaining focus throughout the contest (8).
Matheus Nunes impressed once again at right-back, marauding forward to create the opener and demonstrating why he has become Guardiola’s trusted option in an unfamiliar role (8). Ruben Días produced a commanding display in defence, making a crucial intervention to deny Mohamed Salah (8), while Josko Gvardiol exuded composure and control on the opposite flank (8).
In midfield, Nico O’Reilly contributed both defensively and offensively, earning an assist for Doku’s stunning strike (8). Nico González scored with a deflected effort off Virgil van Dijk and controlled possession effectively (8). Captain Bernardo Silva orchestrated play in his usual calm, precise manner, dictating tempo and transitions (8).
Rayan Cherki was lively but lacked end product before being substituted (7), while Phil Foden knitted City’s attacking play together despite missing a clear chance (7). Doku, however, was simply unstoppable. His pace and trickery won City’s penalty and his curling finish from distance sealed the result, earning him man of the match (9). Erling Haaland redeemed an early penalty miss with a trademark header for his 14th league goal of the season (7).
Liverpool
For Liverpool, Giorgi Mamardashvili saved Haaland’s penalty but conceded after fouling Doku (5). Conor Bradley struggled to contain the Belgian winger and endured a torrid afternoon (4). Van Dijk’s goal was disallowed and his deflection handed City their second (4), while Konaté and Robertson were similarly exposed by City’s relentless attacks (4).
Midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister failed to stem City’s control (both 4), while Szoboszlai and Salah were peripheral figures, unable to influence proceedings (5 and 4). Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitiké also disappointed in attack, offering little threat (5 and 4).
City’s victory underscored their quality and depth, while Liverpool were left searching for answers after a humbling night in Manchester
