Erling Haaland shrugged off an early missed penalty to head home his 14th league goal of the season, taking him to 99 in the Premier League. Liverpool thought they had drawn level when Virgil van Dijk’s header hit the net, but VAR had other ideas. Moments later, misfortune struck again when a Nico González drive deflected off Van Dijk to wrong-foot Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Jeremy Doku then sealed the victory with a sparkling solo effort from distance, the exclamation point on a performance that oozed confidence and creativity.
City’s win lifts them to second in the table, four points behind leaders Arsenal, while Liverpool sink to eighth after another flat display.
City, Not Liverpool, Are Arsenal’s True Title Threat
Arsenal might be top, but if anyone looked like champions in waiting, it was City. Guardiola’s men have quietly built momentum with 14 wins from their last 20 league games and 45 points in that stretch. Their home form has been exceptional too, with 12 wins in their last 13 at the Etihad, the most recent seven all by at least two goals.This was not just a win; it was a statement. City looked hungry, aggressive and completely in sync, everything Liverpool were not. Guardiola knows what title-winning form looks like, and this was it.
Doku Dazzles – His Defining Display in a City Shirt
Jeremy Doku was electric. Since his £55 million move from Rennes, inconsistency had clouded his potential. But against Liverpool, he was unplayable, reminiscent of Eden Hazard at his peak.He scored, completed seven dribbles, created three chances, won more than ten duels and had three shots on target, a statistical masterclass. Conor Bradley simply could not cope. If Doku can deliver this level of performance consistently, Guardiola has a new superstar on his hands.
Wirtz Wobbles Again – Big Price, Little Impact
At the other end, Florian Wirtz’s struggles continue. The £116 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen is yet to score or assist in 11 league games. Against City, he looked lost, making no key passes, losing possession nine times, and failing to win a single tackle.Once touted as Europe’s next great playmaker, Wirtz is finding the Premier League a different beast entirely. The Etihad crowd’s chants of “What a waste of money” summed up his afternoon and perhaps his season so far.
Pressure Mounts on Slot as Liverpool Falter
Arne Slot cut a frustrated figure after the match, admitting it was “a very good start to the week with a very bad end.” His team’s issues run deeper than bad luck. The press was passive, the build-up slow, and the defensive line brittle once again.Liverpool have spent nearly £450 million under Slot, yet they look disjointed and uncertain. It is still early in the season, but the signs suggest a title defence slipping away. The Dutchman now faces the first real test of his Anfield tenure.
