The Premier League delivered another blockbuster as Manchester City overwhelmed Liverpool 3–0 at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland’s milestone goal, Jérémy Doku’s brilliance, and Pep Guardiola’s landmark 1000th match in management stole the headlines.
Haaland Strikes Again: City Asserts Dominance from the Start
Playing like a side on a mission, Manchester City set the tempo early. Their intensity, crisp passing, and high pressing immediately put Liverpool under pressure. Giorgi Mamardashvili’s foul on Doku handed City a penalty in the early minutes, though the keeper redeemed himself by saving Haaland’s spot-kick.
But City did not relent. Doku, Cherki, and Nunes kept Liverpool scrambling, and it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough arrived.
29th-Minute Breakthrough: Haaland Hits the 99-Goal Milestone
Matheus Nunes delivered a perfectly weighted cross, and Haaland—always the predator—rose above Ibrahima Konaté to head home City’s opener. The goal marked his 99th in the Premier League, pushing him ever closer to hitting 100 faster than any striker in the league’s history.
His finish reflected everything Kenyan fans admire about him: precision, power, and an unstoppable presence inside the box.
Liverpool’s Frustration: VAR Denies Van Dijk’s Equalizer
Despite their struggles, Liverpool thought they had clawed back into the contest through a well-executed corner routine. Mohamed Salah’s delivery met Virgil van Dijk, whose header beat Gianluigi Donnarumma—only for VAR to disallow the goal due to an offside by Andrew Robertson.
The decision deflated Liverpool’s momentum and underlined their ongoing struggles away from home, reminiscent of their 2012 slump.
City Turn the Screw: Deflected Goal Makes It 2–0
As the first half wound down, City struck again. Nico González’s driven shot took a wicked deflection off Van Dijk’s outstretched boot, wrong-footing Mamardashvili and doubling City’s lead. The Etihad erupted, knowing that the champions had taken complete control of the narrative.
Second-Half Revival Fizzles Out as Doku Seals the Win
Liverpool briefly threatened a comeback through Conor Bradley, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai, but City quickly reasserted dominance.
Jérémy Doku—arguably the standout performer—cut inside beautifully and curled a clinical third goal into the far corner. It was a finish worthy of any highlight reel and sealed a memorable performance.
What the Result Means for Both Teams
For Manchester City
- Seven wins in their last eight matches across all competitions.
- Guardiola celebrates his 1000th match in style.
- The city team moves within four points of league leaders Arsenal.
- Haaland edges closer to Premier League goal number 100.
For Liverpool
- A fourth consecutive away defeat in the league—their worst run since 2012.
- Only one win in their last seven domestic matches.
- They dropped to eighth place, extending their struggles under Arne Slot.
- Fail to win back-to-back away league fixtures against City since 1991.
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Final Thoughts
Manchester City’s 3–0 win over Liverpool was a statement. Their precision, intensity, and tactical superiority showcased why they remain title contenders. Haaland’s landmark strike and Doku’s electric display ensured the champions delivered a performance worthy of their status.
Liverpool, meanwhile, faces hard questions. Their defensive frailties, away-day struggles, and lack of consistency will require urgent addressing if they hope to climb back into the top four.
