Man City 3-0 Liverpool: Pep Guardiola has new energy for new era
City have struggled this season with defeats against Brighton, Tottenham and Aston Villa, but two of those defeats came back in August.
Former guards such as Kevin de Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, İlkay Gündoğan and Ederson left the team after playing an important role in their success in recent years.
But one defeat in the last 14 games shows City are producing consistent results that have led to six titles in eight years and the holy grail of the Champions League.
Led by goal machine Haaland, the unstoppable striker’s goalscoring has taken him to an impressive total of 28 goals for club and national team in just 18 games so far this season.
Following last month’s defeat at Villa, Guardiola called on his midfielders and wingers to score goals, and the unheralded Nico Gonzalez and the dazzling Jeremy Doku answered the call against Liverpool.
In Rodri’s absence, fellow Spaniard Gonzalez stepped up to the number six role and touched the ball more than any other City player; And left-back Nico O’Reilly handcuffed Mohamed Salah magnificently for much of the contest, earning more tackles (five) than any other player on the pitch.
“Nico O’Reilly was fantastic,” Guardiola said. “Overall everyone has been outstanding because they are still champions.”
Guardiola also praised Bernardo Silva, saying the midfielder “was there” despite “struggling” last season, adding: “He’s been an incredible signing for us and in terms of the way we play.” [against Liverpool] he is a master.”
The Portuguese ran more than 12.5km on Sunday with teammate Phil Foden; Only twice this season has a player made more clearance in a Premier League match.
Former Premier League striker Dion Dublin said: “Guardiola has brought his team to where he wants again. This is the old city. This is the city we remember, the city that dominated the matches.
“I believe that Liverpool were outplayed in this situation by a team that showed us that we should not write them off.”
The Reds have fallen to eighth in the standings, eight points behind the Gunners, and boss Arne Slot said five defeats were “too many” and “the last thing we need to think about now is the title race”.
But Guardiola and City will do the opposite.
Additional reporting from BBC Sport’s Chris Collinson
