Manchester City defeated rivals Liverpool 3-0 in a high-stakes Premier League match on Sunday, with Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku scoring to secure a victory that could be crucial in the title fight.
The game was City manager Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th as a manager, and his squad celebrated with a statement win that propelled them to second place in the table with 22 points after 11 games, four behind leaders Arsenal. Holders Liverpool dropped to ninth with 18 points.
City were fast from the start, and Haaland soared high above Ibrahima Konate to head home Matheus Nunes’ clipped cross in the 29th minute, his 99th league goal for the club.
The goal made up for the Norwegian’s missed penalty earlier in the game, and Haaland celebrated by karate-kicking the corner flag.
Gonzalez extended their advantage seconds before halftime with a long-range drive that deflected off Virgil van Dijk’s knee, catching goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili off guard.
In the 63rd minute, Doku put the game out of reach with a scorching shot from just outside the box that found the far corner.
Liverpool is now in ninth place, having collected 18 points from 11 games.
Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Manchester United all have the same number of points but are ahead of Liverpool on goal difference.
City remain second in the Premier League standings with 22 points, four adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Sunday’s 3-0 home league win over Liverpool is City’s fourth consecutive victory across all competitions.
Speaking after the match, Liverpool captain Van Dijk stated that ‘Liverpool’s pressing wasn’t good enough.’
“The first half was difficult. They were much more comfortable on the ball in terms of creating the extra overload at the back,” Van Dijk said. “It was difficult for our front guys to get the pressure on there. I don’t think there was a lot of danger, although Doku played a fantastic game,” he said.
“Our pressing just wasn’t good enough; it should have been better. We need to find more consistency. Losing hurts, always, but 3-0 especially.
“There were some good moments in the game, but you play Man City at home, who can make it very difficult. The focus should be on reflecting on this when we come back and then fighting again.” He added.
Speaking on his performance during the match, Doku, who was crowned player of the match, said,
“I don’t know. In big games, it’s always more beautiful. I’m just happy with the way we played.
“I’ve got great players around me who push me every day. He [Dias] pushes me every day because he believes in me.”
