Manchester City’s 3-0 dismantling of Liverpool was more than a win – it was a declaration.
After Arsenal’s stumble at Sunderland, the question was who would seize the chance to make a title statement. City answered emphatically, delivering a performance of such control and conviction that it felt like the 2022/23 treble winners are back in town.
It began in chaos with a soft early penalty for City, Erling Haaland’s miss, and a hint of reprieve for Liverpool – but Pep Guardiola’s side turned irritation into intensity.
The Norwegian made amends soon after, looping a clever header into the corner for his 19th goal of the season. From there, City took command. Nico González’s deflected strike off Virgil van Dijk just before the interval doubled the lead, and Jérémy Doku’s second-half masterpiece – a sharp cut inside and curling finish into the far corner – was the perfect exclamation point.
Liverpool had reasons to feel aggrieved. Van Dijk’s equaliser was ruled out by VAR for Andy Robertson’s marginal offside position, and questions lingered over the penalty awarded for Doku’s minimal contact with Ibrahima Konaté.
But those details were sideshows. City were slicker, sharper, and more physically commanding. This was a team operating in full flow – midfield rotations seamless, tempo relentless, every press a trigger pulled with precision.
It was also a day of milestones and meaning. Guardiola’s 1,000th game in management began with a glowing tribute on the big screens and ended with a reminder of why his football endures. City, now four points behind Arsenal, have rediscovered their rhythm. The fluidity between Bernardo Silva, González, and Doku made Liverpool’s midfield look static by comparison.
For Arne Slot’s men, this was a sobering afternoon. Four consecutive away defeats, a defensive unit overstretched, and an attack blunted by City’s shape. The optimism sparked by wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid dissolved under Etihad floodlights.
The Premier League title race remains open, but only just. City’s depth, control and purpose made one thing clear: they are doing all they can to ensure last season was a mere blip.
