Manchester City marked manager Pep Guardiola’s 1,000th match in charge with a dominant 3–0 demolition of Liverpool on Sunday, a result that not only reignited their title charge but also reaffirmed their status as Arsenal’s biggest Premier League rivals this season.

At the Etihad Stadium, City delivered a masterclass in pace, precision, and purpose. Erling Haaland recovered from an early penalty miss to nod in his 99th Premier League goal, before Nico Gonzalez’s deflected strike and a stunning curler from Jeremy Doku sealed a commanding win for the champions. The victory brought City within four points of league leaders Arsenal, whose 10-game winning streak had been halted by a 2–2 draw at Sunderland the previous day.

Liverpool, by contrast, endured a night that epitomized their turbulent campaign. The Reds, now with four defeats in five league outings, looked a shadow of the side that stunned City at the same venue last season. Manager Arne Slot watched helplessly as his team struggled to contain City’s fluid attack and relentless pressing. Despite flashes of resistance, including goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili’s early penalty save, Liverpool’s defensive lapses and disjointed play told a familiar story of decline and disarray.

City’s dominance was total. Doku tormented Liverpool’s backline with blistering runs, forcing errors and drawing fouls in dangerous areas. His dazzling display was capped by a spectacular goal, twisting past Ibrahima Konate and curling beyond Mamardashvili, to crown Guardiola’s milestone in style. For Liverpool, even star man Mohamed Salah couldn’t find his spark, missing a clear-cut chance late on that summed up the team’s frustrating evening.

Guardiola’s men, who have now won 11 of their last 14 matches in all competitions, look fully rejuvenated as the season enters its decisive phase. Their blend of experience, tactical discipline, and attacking flair once again makes them the team to beat. As for Liverpool, the defeat raises deeper questions about Slot’s squad overhaul and the club’s direction, a once-great contender now battling for top-four survival rather than the title.

For Guardiola, however, the night belonged to legacy and domination. One thousand matches on, the City boss continues to redefine excellence, and his latest triumph against a fading Liverpool only strengthens his grip on Premier League supremacy.
AFP