Manchester City marked Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th game as a manager with a commanding 3-0 win over Liverpool, reigniting their Premier League title charge. Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku all found the net at the Etihad Stadium, ensuring a memorable night for the Spanish tactician in his milestone match.
Haaland missed an early penalty after VAR ruled that Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had tripped Jeremy Doku. However, the Norwegian star redeemed himself in the 29th minute, heading home from a Matheus Nunes cross after a slick 20-pass build-up. The goal marked Haaland’s 99th in the Premier League since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and his 19th in 15 appearances across all competitions this season.
City’s dominance continued as Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk had a header ruled out for offside before Gonzalez doubled the lead just before halftime with a deflected strike that left the Reds’ defense flat-footed. Doku sealed the result in the 63rd minute with a stunning curling effort from 25 yards, capping off a man-of-the-match performance that left Liverpool chasing shadows.
The result leaves City second in the league, just four points behind leaders Arsenal, who dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Guardiola’s side have now won seven of their last eight games across all competitions, tightening the race at the top.
How Did Liverpool’s Title Hopes Collapse So Fast?
Liverpool’s poor run continued as they slipped further away from contention. The defending champions have now lost seven of their last ten games in all competitions and sit eighth on the table, eight points adrift of Arsenal. Momentum from their recent wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid evaporated under Manchester’s rain-soaked skies, leaving manager Arne Slot frustrated.
His anger only grew after VAR’s decision to disallow Van Dijk’s equaliser, a call that turned the tide of the game. From that moment, City’s control never wavered.
Forest, Villa, and Brentford Deliver Key Results in Sunday’s Fixtures
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest ended their nine-match winless run with a 3-1 victory over Leeds. Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Elliot Anderson were on target for Sean Dyche’s side, who are now within one point of safety. Aston Villa continued their excellent form with a 4-0 thrashing of Bournemouth, while Brentford deepened Newcastle’s struggles with a 3-1 home win.
Guardiola’s landmark evening was a fitting celebration of his remarkable career, 716 victories, countless trophies, and a City side once again chasing glory on all fronts.
By Yockshard Enyendi