Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot both agreed that Jeremy Doku’s outstanding performance was the key factor in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. The Belgian winger delivered one of his most complete displays since joining City, dominating Liverpool’s defense with his pace, skill, and determination throughout the game.
For Guardiola, it was a perfect celebration of his 1,000th game as a manager. For Slot, it was another frustrating afternoon as Liverpool suffered yet another defeat, their seventh in ten matches across all competitions.
The result has pushed Liverpool further down to eighth place in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal, and questions are now mounting over what’s going wrong at Anfield.
Jeremy Doku’s outstanding performance: Doku Runs Riot as Liverpool Struggle to Contain Him
From the opening whistle, Jeremy Doku’s outstanding performance set the tone. The winger tormented Liverpool’s defense, especially right-back Conor Bradley, using his explosive pace and sharp dribbling to stretch City’s attacks wide.
His persistence paid off when he capped the afternoon with a stunning long-range strike that curled past the helpless goalkeeper, sealing the win for the reigning champions.
Guardiola, visibly delighted, said to Sky Sports: “My players gave me a wonderful gift with this performance. Of course, the threat of Jeremy Doku was outstanding, alongside Erling Haaland. He was one of the best players on the pitch for influence and energy.”
Guardiola Celebrates Milestone Match in Style
Guardiola’s 1,000th game as a manager couldn’t have gone better. His Manchester City side were clinical, composed, and commanding. Beyond Doku’s brilliance, City’s midfield worked seamlessly to control the game, while the defense neutralized Liverpool’s counterattacks. Guardiola praised his team’s collective effort, highlighting Doku’s role in stretching the game.
“Both the full-backs were excellent, the midfielders controlled possession well, and Jeremy Doku’s outstanding performance gave us the attacking edge we needed,” Guardiola added. “It was one of those special nights for everyone at the club.”
Arne Slot Admits Liverpool “Were Second Best”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot had little choice but to acknowledge City’s superiority and Doku’s influence. Slot said, “They were better than us. We had a very hard time playing out from the back, and Doku caused us constant problems. His movement on the inside and O’Reilly’s width gave us a lot of trouble.”
Despite being 2-0 down at half-time, Slot maintained some optimism, saying his team tried to fight back. However, Doku’s spectacular third goal ended any hopes of a comeback. “An unbelievable goal from Doku made it 3-0, but I still saw a team that wanted to respond,” Slot added.
Salah’s Lack of Tracking Exposed by Doku’s Movement
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy analyzed the game for BBC Sport and pointed out that Jeremy Doku’s outstanding performance was made even more effective by Liverpool’s tactical setup. Murphy noted that Salah’s refusal to track back left Bradley exposed on the right flank.
“Doku was a pleasure to watch—his pace, strength, and bravery were top class,” Murphy explained. “But Liverpool’s shape made it easier for him. Bradley was constantly isolated because Salah didn’t drop back, leaving too much space for Doku to exploit. It was a tactical imbalance that City took full advantage of.”
Murphy emphasized that while Salah’s attacking freedom is vital for Liverpool’s counterplay, a bit more defensive balance could have reduced the threat posed by Doku. “Sometimes you have to help your full-back for ten minutes just to steady things,” he added. “Doku was running the game by himself on that side.”
City’s Win Sends a Message as Liverpool Seek Answers
The victory reaffirmed City’s dominance at home and underlined the importance of Jeremy Doku’s outstanding performance in Guardiola’s evolving attack. City now sit comfortably near the top of the table, while Liverpool face a tough rebuild to regain their form.
For Doku, this was a defining moment—proof that his adaptation to English football is complete. His goal and overall display have put him firmly among City’s most influential attackers, alongside Haaland and Foden.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have much to reflect on. Their inability to stop City’s wide threats, coupled with their recent run of poor results, has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike. Slot must now use the international break to find solutions before their next home clash against Nottingham Forest.
A Statement Game for Doku and City
In a match that could define Manchester City’s title momentum, Jeremy Doku’s outstanding performance was the headline act. His energy, creativity, and composure in front of goal left both managers praising his impact. For Guardiola, it was the perfect gift on his 1,000th match milestone. For Slot, it was a painful reminder of how far his Liverpool side have fallen from their usual standards.
As City look ahead to their next match against Newcastle, all eyes will remain on Doku—the man whose outstanding performance continues to electrify the Premier League.
