In the 11th round of the Premier League, Manchester City cruised to a commanding 3–0 victory over defending champions Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, the perfect way to mark Pep Guardiola’s 1000th match as a manager.
This fixture was a milestone moment for Guardiola, and his team delivered a performance worthy of the occasion.
A One-Sided Clash Between Two Giants
What was expected to be a closely contested encounter between two English heavyweights quickly turned into a one-sided display of dominance. Liverpool looked nothing like the side that defeated City 2–0 at Anfield last season.
Despite enjoying 51% possession, Liverpool managed only one shot on target from seven attempts. Their seven corners and two clear chances yielded no result.
City, on the other hand, was far more efficient, registering 14 shots, six on target, creating two big chances, and converting three goals to underline their attacking superiority.
Liverpool Strikes First but Fails to Capitalise
Both teams fielded their strongest lineups. The visitors threatened early when Mohamed Salah broke through on the right flank in the 8th minute and fired at goal, but Gianluigi Donnarumma denied his effort.
In the 12th minute, Doku burst past Bradley and Konaté down the left before being brought down in the box by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. After a VAR review, the referee awarded City a penalty, but Haaland’s spot kick was saved, keeping the score level.
Haaland Opens the Scoring
City maintained relentless pressure and broke the deadlock in the 28th minute. Núñez delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Haaland rose highest to head home, giving City a 1–0 lead.
It was Haaland’s 14th league goal of the season, leaving him just one away from his Premier League century.
González Doubles the Lead Before the Break
In first-half stoppage time, City produced a slick passing move that ended with Nico González firing from outside the box. His shot deflected off Virgil van Dijk and found the net, doubling City’s advantage.
It was the Spaniard’s first goal since joining the club, a memorable moment in Guardiola’s milestone game.
Doku’s Screamer Seals the Win
In the 63rd minute, González sent a precise long pass to the left flank, where O’Riley controlled and squared the ball to Doku. The Belgian winger took a touch before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner, leaving Mamardashvili helpless. City went 3–0 up and never looked back.
Liverpool’s Response Falls Short
Despite trailing by three, Liverpool kept pushing forward. Donnarumma superbly saved Dominik Szoboszlai’s powerful long-range effort in the 75th minute, and Salah squandered a one-on-one chance just three minutes later.
The Reds failed to find a breakthrough and suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat.
Liverpool’s Form Slumps Further
This loss marked Liverpool’s fifth defeat in their last six Premier League matches. Their total number of defeats has already surpassed last season’s tally.
With just 18 points, Liverpool has dropped to eighth place in the standings, their lowest position of the campaign so far.
