Doku Shines in Guardiola's 1000th Win as City Edge Liverpool

Man City Triumph Over Liverpool in Guardiola's 1000th Game

Manchester City secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Pep Guardiola's 1,000th managerial match. The Premier League fixture saw City leapfrog Chelsea into the second position in the table.

The goals came from established performers: Erling Haaland converted a penalty after an initial save by Giorgi Mamardashvili, while Nico Gonzalez slotted home in the first-half stoppage time. Jeremy Doku completed the scoring with a well-taken strike in the 63rd minute.

Despite Haaland's early penalty being saved, City took the lead with a powerful header from the Norwegian. Liverpool struggled to contain City's energy, particularly from the relentless Doku, who provided the catalyst throughout the match. A potential equalizer for Liverpool in the first half, via Virgil van Dijk, was controversially disallowed for an offside Andrew Robertson.

Doku was instrumental in City's success, celebrated as the Player of the Match for his electrifying performance, which included a decisive goal. His standout contribution highlighted City's depth beyond their talismanic striker.

This hard-fought win moves Manchester City above Chelsea, putting pressure on both teams as they navigate the title race with Arsenal breathing down their necks. City now sit just four points behind the league leaders.

Player Ratings

Manchester City

Donnarumma 7, Nunes 7, Dias 7, Gvardiol 7, O'Reilly 7, Nico 7, Bernardo 7, Foden 7, Cherki 7, Doku 9, Haaland 7. Subs: Savinho 6, Marmoush 6.

Liverpool

Mamardashvili 7, Bradley 6, Konate 5, Van Dijk 6, Robertson 6, Gravenberch 6, Mac Allister 6, Szoboszlai 7, Salah 6, Wirtz 6, Ekitike 6. Subs: Gakpo 6, Kerkez 6, Jones 6, Chiesa (n/a), Gomez (n/a).

Team News & Post-Match Thoughts

Pep Guardiola fielded a strong lineup for his landmark game, including Rayan Cherki, with Haaland spearheading the attack. The absence of injured midfielder Rodri was notable. Liverpool coach Arne Slot opted for continuity, keeping the same starting XI from their previous match against Real Madrid, a decision that may now be viewed with hindsight given Liverpool's struggles.

The match exposed Liverpool's difficulties in maintaining high energy levels against City's intensity. Florian Wirtz continued his impressive form, while defensive issues and the ongoing slump in form saw Liverpool suffer their seventh consecutive defeat across all competitions.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot voiced his displeasure with the disallowed goal decision, believing his team should have been awarded a spot-kick.