In a decisive Premier League match on November 9, 2025, Manchester City overwhelmed Liverpool with a convincing 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. The win not only spoiled Liverpool’s hopes of defending their title but also marked a significant moment in manager Pep Guardiola’s illustrious career, being his 1,000th game in football management.
While City’s performance showcased their offensive prowess, it was Jeremy Doku who emerged as the standout player. His exceptional play culminated in a stunning goal, which was the third of the match and a testament to his skill. Doku’s curling strike from outside the box became a highlight across social media platforms shortly after the game, but his influence extended far beyond that single moment.
Liverpool’s strategy to combat Doku involved young right-back Conor Bradley, who had previously shown strong defensive capabilities against top-tier players. However, it quickly became apparent that Doku was more than a match for Bradley. Early in the match, Doku shifted to the right flank to exploit the slower veteran defender Andy Robertson, but he ultimately dominated the entire field.
Statistics from the match reveal that Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool’s centre-back, spent considerable time trying to support Bradley against Doku. This defensive strategy, however, backfired. Konate often found himself out of position, leading to multiple turnovers that City capitalized on. Guardiola’s tactical setup directed pressure towards Konate, exposing vulnerabilities in Liverpool’s defense.
The match saw Doku create numerous opportunities, significantly affecting Liverpool’s overall performance. His interactions with Konate and Bradley highlighted their struggles to contain him, especially when he was involved in a key moment leading to Erling Haaland’s penalty after being fouled in the box.
Despite efforts to double up on Doku, including bringing in midfielder Ryan Gravenberch to assist in containing him, the damage was done. Doku was substituted in the 74th minute to a standing ovation, having put in one of the most complete performances of his career. Meanwhile, Bradley, worn down from the relentless attack, was taken off just minutes later.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the challenge presented by Doku in his pre-match analysis, claiming to have studied City’s tactics extensively. Despite his preparations, Slot’s game plan fell short against the dynamic forward, showcasing the difficulty of neutralizing a player in such form.
The defeat at the Etihad Stadium marks a significant setback for Liverpool as they aim to reclaim their Premier League crown. With City showcasing their dominance, the challenge ahead for Liverpool appears daunting as they regroup for the remainder of the season.
