Manchester City marked Pep Guardiola’s 1000th game in management with a commanding 3–0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, cutting the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal to four points.
Erling Haaland recovered from an early penalty miss to head in his 99th Premier League goal, before a deflected strike from Nico Gonzalez and a superb solo effort from Jeremy Doku sealed an emphatic win for the defending champions.
Liverpool, who have now lost four of their last five league games, slipped to eighth on the table, eight points adrift of the top spot.
Arsenal’s 10-match winning streak ended in a 2–2 draw at Sunderland on Saturday, and City capitalised fully to reaffirm their title credentials in what has become a two-horse race over the past decade.
Despite some contentious decisions, Arne Slot’s men were outclassed at the Etihad, underlining the gulf between the sides since Liverpool’s 2–0 win at the same venue in February.
City controlled the game throughout, with Doku tormenting Liverpool’s defence. His sharp movement won the penalty after Ibrahima Konaté’s clearance fell kindly, though Haaland’s spot-kick was saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Undeterred, City continued to press and were rewarded when Haaland met Matheus Nunes’ cross with a looping header in the 29th minute.
Liverpool briefly thought they had equalised through Virgil van Dijk’s header, but Andy Robertson was judged offside for obstructing the goalkeeper.
Moments later, Gonzalez’s deflected shot doubled City’s lead, before Doku capped his electric display by curling in a stunning third goal from outside the box.
Liverpool’s wastefulness summed up their struggles — Cody Gakpo blazed over from close range, while Mohamed Salah missed a late chance.
The defeat leaves Liverpool’s title hopes fading fast, with City and Arsenal pulling clear at the top. Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, have now won 11 of their last 14 games in all competitions, signalling a return to peak form.
