Liverpool faced a significant setback in their quest to retain the Premier League title when they were defeated 3-0 by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on November 9, 2025. This match marked a milestone for City manager Pep Guardiola, as it was his 1000th game in football management. The reigning champions struggled to cope with City’s attacking prowess, particularly the standout performance from Jeremy Doku, who was instrumental in the victory.
From the outset, City established their dominance. Although Liverpool had a goal disallowed due to a contentious VAR decision while the score was 1-0, it was clear that City was the stronger side. They not only secured a comprehensive win but also made Liverpool appear disorganized and vulnerable.
While much attention is often given to Erling Haaland, who scored the opening goal after a penalty save, Doku emerged as the focal point of the game. His stunning curling strike for City’s third goal encapsulated a performance that went beyond just that moment, showcasing his skill and impact throughout the match.
Doku started strongly on the left wing, facing young right-back Conor Bradley, who had recently shown his ability by containing former Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Jr. Early attempts by Doku to exploit Bradley’s pace did not yield immediate results, leading him to shift to the right flank. However, it quickly became evident that he could challenge Bradley effectively.
As the match progressed, City’s strategy seemed to target Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, who struggled with the intensity of Doku’s attacks. The French defender found himself isolated at times as Doku’s pace and agility created significant problems. Statistics revealed that Konate spent a considerable amount of time covering Doku’s runs, leaving him unable to effectively manage both the winger and the pressing threat from Haaland.
The situation intensified when a miscommunication between Konate and Bradley allowed Doku to regain possession, leading to a penalty opportunity for City after he was fouled by goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The mounting pressure on Liverpool’s defense was evident, as City’s organized pressing forced multiple turnovers, a tactic Guardiola implemented to exploit Liverpool’s weaknesses.
As the game wore on, Liverpool attempted to adapt their strategy. Ryan Gravenberch was brought into the mix in an effort to provide additional support against Doku. Despite these adjustments, it was clear that the damage was already done.
Doku’s performance earned him a standing ovation as he exited the pitch in the 74th minute, having demonstrated a blend of skill and confidence that left Bradley reeling. The same trio that had effectively contained their opponents earlier in the week was outmaneuvered by the Belgian winger.
In a pre-match interview, Slot emphasized his analysis of City, claiming to have studied their tactics extensively. Despite his preparation, he acknowledged that stopping Doku proved to be beyond Liverpool’s reach on this occasion. The defeat highlighted the challenges Liverpool faces as they strive to reclaim their Premier League status amidst fierce competition from Manchester City.
