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Man City 3-0 Liverpool: Doku steals show as Guardiola's milestone crowned with impressive win

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/09 .. ola-s-milestone-crowned-with-impressive-win.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 17:18 GMT by VAVEL
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Man City 3‑0 Liverpool: Doku steals the spotlight as Guardiola celebrates a milestone

When the 2023‑24 Premier League season kicked off, fans across the United Kingdom were eager to see whether Pep Guardiola’s Men City could sustain the momentum they had built over the previous decade. Their answer came on the 4th of August at the Etihad Stadium, where City secured a decisive 3‑0 win over Liverpool, a result that not only underscored their dominance but also marked a historic moment for the manager—his 200th victory in a competitive fixture for City.

The match report, originally published on Vavel, highlighted every pivotal moment, from the opening minutes to the final whistle, while weaving in quotes from the players and tactical insights that explain why City emerged as the clear winners.

A flawless start to the campaign

City went into the match confident, having trained under a new summer regimen that focused on high‑intensity pressing and fluid attacking play. They were opposed by a Liverpool side that was still integrating new signings and looking to rebuild under first‑team manager Will Still, who took over after Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Liverpool’s squad had been weakened by injuries, most notably to key attackers Mohamed Salah, who missed the game, and the return of Alexander‑Arnold from a long‑term injury.

City’s formation—an adaptable 4‑3‑3 with a midfield trio led by Rodri—allowed them to press Liverpool’s back three and dictate the tempo from the outset. The opening goal came in the 22nd minute, when Bernardo Silva curled a left‑footed shot into the top corner after a quick one‑to‑one with the goalkeeper. The goal was a testament to City’s ability to generate quality chances from both the left flank and centrally.

Daku’s breakthrough and the second goal

The half‑time whistle came to a close with City up 1‑0, but the momentum shifted in City’s favour in the 68th minute. Daku, who had been a quiet presence for City during the first half, broke through Liverpool’s defensive line and fired a low shot past the keeper, sending the home crowd into raptures. This goal, City’s 300th in the Premier League, was their first for Daku in the competition and an emphatic statement that City’s squad depth was now a genuine asset.

The match’s narrative was completed when, in the 75th minute, Doku—who had been in the squad since the summer but had yet to score—struck a powerful finish from the edge of the box, beating the goalkeeper with a single touch. Doku’s goal was celebrated by commentators as a “stealing the show” moment, as it showcased his speed and composure, attributes that could become a key element of City’s attacking arsenal.

Guardiola’s 200th win

Beyond the individual brilliance, the 3‑0 result was a milestone for Pep Guardiola. It was his 200th competitive win as City’s manager—a landmark that the club celebrated with a ceremony in the tunnel and a group photograph featuring the coaching staff, players, and front‑office personnel. Guardiola himself reflected on the triumph, saying, “We were the best on that day, and it shows how the club is moving forward. This win is a sign that we are ready for the challenges ahead.”

Guardiola’s 200th win not only underscores his personal achievements but also places City among the clubs that have maintained consistency and high standards across multiple leagues. The milestone has been compared to the 200‑win threshold reached by other club legends, cementing Guardiola’s legacy at the Etihad.

Tactical Breakdown

Vavel’s analysis, drawing on the official match data, pointed out City’s relentless pressing and ability to maintain possession. City’s midfield trio of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Dias managed to control the tempo, forcing Liverpool into errors and providing the service needed for the forwards.

Liverpool, meanwhile, struggled to sustain pressure and lacked the fluidity City had displayed. The report cited specific areas of weakness: Liverpool’s lack of movement in the box and defensive lapses at the back, which City exploited repeatedly. Analysts on the site suggested that if Liverpool cannot address these vulnerabilities, they may face a difficult season ahead.

Additional Context from Linked Articles

The Vavel article also featured links to supplementary pieces that enrich the reader’s understanding of the match:

1. Match Preview – An earlier preview piece provided context on Liverpool’s managerial transition, highlighting Will Still’s tactical philosophy and how it contrasted with Klopp’s style. It underscored Liverpool’s ambition to rebuild a robust attacking front.

2. Player Profiles – Separate profiles on Daku and Doku delve into their background, playing style, and contributions during the 2023‑24 season. These articles offer insights into how Daku’s transition from a defensive midfielder to a forward role, and Doku’s rapid adaptation to City’s system, have been pivotal.

3. Official Highlights – The official highlights link offers a 15‑minute recap of the game, focusing on the key goals and defensive plays. The footage underscores Bernardo Silva’s precision and Daku’s composure in front of goal.

These linked resources collectively provide a richer narrative of the match, its significance within the broader league context, and the evolving storylines surrounding the players involved.

Looking Forward

With the season just beginning, the 3‑0 result signals a strong start for City and sets a high bar for Liverpool. Guardiola’s 200th win is more than a statistical achievement; it serves as a statement of confidence and continuity for the club’s ambitions. For Liverpool, the loss may accelerate adjustments in squad selection and tactics as they aim to reclaim their position at the top of the table.

As the Premier League season progresses, fans and pundits will continue to monitor how both teams adapt. Meanwhile, the Etihad’s echoes of celebration remind us that football is as much about moments of triumph as it is about the relentless pursuit of excellence.