Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium to head into the November international break only four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Erling Haaland saw an early penalty saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, but made amends moments later with a looping header past the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Nico Gonzalez’s shot from outside the box took a deflection off Virgil van Dijk on its way through for City’s second goal, before Jeremy Doku capped an outstanding performance with a stunning solo goal for the third.
It meant City moved to 22 points and closed the gap to Arsenal, on 26 points after their draw at Sunderland on Saturday. Liverpool meanwhile are eighth, level on 18 points with Tottenham, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Bournemouth.
Manchester City vs Liverpool live
- Man City hammer Liverpool in the Premier League | Live on Sky Sports
- 63' Doku scores superb goal for City (MCI 3-0 LIV)
- 45+3' GOAL! Gonzalez's shot from range ends up in the net (MCI 2-0 LIV)
- 39' NO GOAL! Van Dijk levels but his goal is ruled out by VAR (MCI 1-0 LIV)
- 29' GOAL! Haaland heads City into the lead (MCI 1-0 LIV)
- 12' MISSED! Mamardashvili denies Haaland from the spot (MCI 0-0 LIV)
- 11' PENALTY! Doku is brought down in the box (MCI 0-0 LIV)
Liverpool can forget about the title – they have bigger issues to solve
08:20 , Richard Jolly“We are in early November and you cannot win the title. You can lose it, but you cannot win it.”
Pep Guardiola may have spoken on Friday with the wisdom of a manager who has won 12 league titles, many of them as a frontrunner. Or perhaps it was a warning to a Manchester City side who were threatened with a nine-point deficit to Arsenal in the international break. If so, they responded. After their demolition of Liverpool, they are only four behind.
And it is Liverpool who, eight adrift, in eighth place, feel out of the reckoning.
Liverpool’s title defence is hanging by a thread after Man City masterclass on Pep Guardiola’s big day
Sunday 9 November 2025 20:15 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumThe universe had decided that Liverpool would be the opponents on Pep Guardiola’s landmark day, he had said. And for the manager who changed the footballing world, there may have been no more gratifying way to enter the 1,000 club. It was a grand day for Guardiola, in every sense.
Guardiola’s first 999 games had contained victories over many a manager but not Arne Slot. The Dutchman had a done a double over the Catalan and taken his Premier League title. A third meeting was chastening for a coach influenced and inspired by his Manchester City counterpart.
Liverpool’s title defence is hanging by a thread after Man City masterclass
A top game against the champions
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:57 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola summed up the match by saying: "Top game against top opponent. They are the champions of England. We performed really good. Second half was a little sloppy but I am really happy with that.
"The team played good and sometimes you don't play good and you find the goal. But we played really good anyway, and today I am so happy to celebrate it with my family like old times. When they come, it is so special for me.
"From my experience, the season is so long. The teams that don't give up will be there. Then maybe we will be champions but we have to keep going."
Slot on the Liverpool defeat
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:53 , Mike Jones"They were better than us. We had a very hard time bringing the ball out from the back and it was difficult to hold on to the ball,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We struggled with Doku on the inside and O'Reilly wide. Then, of course, a referee decision could have influenced a more positive half-time feeling for us.
“2-0 down at half-time makes it very difficult to get a result here.”
Do Liverpool have too many problems to fix?
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:49 , Mike Jones"I don't know if that is the situation. It has been very good start of the week with a very bad end to the week.
"Today, I don't think apart from that decision that it was ever gong to be our game. In general they were the better team - we need to improve - but I didn't need this game to know this.
"I saw a team trying to come back into the game, but it wasn't enough today and that is clear.
"Last season when were eight points clear it didn't feel like it was done already.
"We shouldn't talk about the the number one position, we should focus on our performance that needs to be better."
Slot on conceding from set pieces again
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:45 , Mike JonesThe Liverpool boss said: "Set-pieces can make an difference - now we conceded 2-0 from a set-pieces. That was a fair reflection us being 2-0 down.
"The game went as it went we would have been lucky going 1-0 down in at half-time. So it has been an influential decision.
"You cannot predict how the second half would have gone. It was obvious and clear that City were the better team in the first half.
"They were dominating the game and they were better than us. We were having a lot of problems and trouble bringing the ball out from the back, so we lost it early and they started playing."
On penalty: "The only thing I could see there was contact - but after the contact he was able to put his foot into the position exactly how he wanted to put his foot into."
Doku's dangerous day
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:41 , Mike JonesJeremy Doku today is the first player to score, win 10+ duels (11), complete 7+ dribbles (7), create 3+ chances (3) and have 3+ shots on target (3) in a single Premier League game since Eden Hazard for Chelsea v West Ham in April 2019.
Virgil van Dijk says there’s ‘no point discussing’ disallowed goal during Man City defeat
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:37 , Mike JonesLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk refused to discuss his disallowed goal against Manchester City but went on to describe the 3-0 defeat as a ‘big blow’ to his team.
Van Dijk met a corner from Mohamed Salah in the first half and nodded the ball into the corner when the visitors were trailing 1-0 to City.
His goal would have brought the game level but Andy Robertson, who ducked underneath the ball, was judged to have been offside and an obstruction due to his movement near the goalkeeper after a VAR check
Van Dijk says there’s ‘no point discussing’ disallowed goal during Man City defeat
A lack of control
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:33 , Mike JonesMan City have had less than 50% possession in four of their 11 Premier League games this season - only in 2020-21 have they done so more often in a season under Pep Guardiola (5 games).
They had 49.2% in today's win against Liverpool.
O'Reilly was amazing
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:29 , Mike JonesAnother Man City player who had a stellar game was Nico O’Reilly.
Pep Guardiola said: "Nico O'Reilly was amazing.
"In general, everyone was extraordinary because they are still the champions.
"Sometimes we put a full-back inside, sometimes he has been 10 or eight. He can play. His presence in set-pieces in the long balls is fast. He is clever - he plays really good.
"I think he was really good, he has been doing really good."
Guardiola on Doku's performance
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:25 , Mike Jones"One of the best by far, for influence,” Pep Guardiola said of Jeremy Doku’s performance.
“Their right back Conor [Bradley] is so quick, I saw his game against Vinicius Junior [vs Real Madrid]. We made a really good game."
Guardiola on winning his 1000th game
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:21 , Mike Jones"My players gave me a good present with this performance against the champions,” said the Man City boss.
“We had to perform good and many good things happened, they all performed to the highest level.
"Defensively it was really good. We know their threat in behind with Mo [Salah] and the quality of [Dominik] Szoboszlai and [Florian] Wirtz and we have incredible energy with our people. Playing at home and winning is good for the international break.
"Gigi [Donnarumma] made the saves he should. Both the full-backs were outstanding. The midfielders gave us a lot of passes and control. Of course the threat of Jeremy [Doku] was outstanding alongside Erling [Haaland]."
Van Dijk breaks down Liverpool's performance
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:17 , Mike JonesThe Liverpool captain said: "The first half was difficult and they were much more comfortable on the ball and it was difficult for our guys to put pressure on them. I don't think there was a lot of danger, but Doku had a good game and it was difficult for Conor [Bradley] in the one on one at times. I don't think we were much in trouble but we could have done better.
"We had to dig deep in the second half. We got more momentum in possession but out pressing wasn't good enough.
"It's about finding consistency and carrying on. Now we go to our countries, stay fit and be ready for a big run after. We are not going to give up whatsoever. We are in November and we are ready for a long season and a big fight."
Struggling Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:13 , Mike JonesLiverpool have lost five of their 11 matches in the Premier League this season (W6), the most defeats by a reigning champion at this stage of a campaign since Leicester in 2016-17 (5).
Only Chelsea in 2015-16 (6) have ever lost more after 11 games of a Premier League season as reigning champions.
Man City forward Jeremy Doku, speaking to Sky Sports:
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:09 , Mike Jones"I think in a big game it is always more exposed. I am just happy with the game and performance from the team.
"It is always good for the confidence as well, but I have got great players around me.
"He [Ruben Dias] pushes me every day because he believes in me.
"That also gives me the feeling to do more everyday. Having teammates like that makes it easy for me."
Van Dijk refuses to give opinion on disallowed goal
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:05 , Mike JonesLiverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, had a goal disallowed which would have made the game level at 1-1.
Post match he refused to give an opinion on the decision and left that to the pundits.
He said: "In football the officials are deciding the key decisions and we have to deal with it on the pitch. There is no point discussing this from my point of view. The reality is that we lost 3-0 and that is a big blow.
"It doesn't matter what I say [about the goal] because anything I say will be in the media and the whole international break will be about my comment on the decision. I just focus on the fact we lost. You guys can debate if it should have stood.”
Another goal for Haaland
Sunday 9 November 2025 19:01 , Mike JonesErling Haaland has 14 goals in 11 Premier League games this season - the second-most any player has scored in their team's first 11 games of a season in the competition, behind only Haaland himself in 2022-23 (17)
More from Ruben Dias
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:57 , Mike JonesDias continued his analysis of City’s win saying: "This is not new, this has been going on for a while now.
“We have been talking about a rebuild since last season.
"Yes, of course, there are new faces because of the ones that left, but that quality stays the same, and we keep on pushing.
"It is still early in the season, feet on the ground."
There is no higher level than this
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:53 , Mike JonesMan City defender Ruben Dias spoke to Sky Sports after the game and gave his initial thoughts to his team’s win.
"Obviously very happy for him [Pep Guardiola],” Dias began wth.
“We live for games like this. There is no higher level than this kind of level. Everyone did a great game.
"We need to push all of us. Everyone, myself, we need to push everyone. The amazing game he [Jeremy Doku] did, the sprint Haaland did to compensate.
"I remember before I came to this club and watching this club - these were the details that made them win so much.
"Differences of everyone ready to show up and ready to sacrifice for the guy next to him.”
A win for Pep
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:50 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has now managed 1000 games during his professional career.
He has 716 wins out of those 1000.
A first win in two years
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:47 , Mike JonesManchester City have beaten Liverpool for the first time in two years.
Their previous win was on April 1 2023 and they’ve played four matches since without winning.
Until today.
Post match reaction from Daniel Sturridge
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:43 , Mike JonesThe former Liverpool striker told Sky Sports:
“We talked in the past about Rodri being out and the attacking area needing shoring up but there wasn't any of that today.
“Pep put this team out and allowed Doku to have areas he can exploit Liverpool's defence. Great job tonight.”
Man City defeat Liverpool in Premier League
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:39 , Mike Jones
Man City close the gap on Arsenal
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:34 , Mike JonesArsenal still have their noses ahead in the title race but are now only four points clear of Man City.
Having Pep Guardiola’s side chasing you down is one of the hardest places to be so there’s no room for error from Mikel Arteta’s men.
Liverpool, meanwhile, drop below Manchester United into eighth place.
FT Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:31 , Mike JonesIt’ll be intersting to hear the thoughts of the Liverpool players and manager.
The Reds were miles off their best and it’s going to be a worrying feeling for Arne Slot.
The Reds are now eight points away from the top of the table and are below Manchester United in the table.
Emphatic for City
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:28 , Mike JonesEmphatic in the end for City.
There's no doubt who Arsenal's main title rivals this season are now.
A seventh defeat in 10 for Liverpool, though, and another bleak away day for them.”
Full-time! Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:27 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: The whistle goes to end the game.
Liverpool have been outclassed in Manchester and it is City who’ve proven their credentials as Arsenal’s nearest title challengers.
A win for Pep Guardiola in his 1000th match as a manager, will there also be another Premier League title come the end of the season?
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:24 , Mike Jones90 mins: Three minutes of added time to play.
Liverpool won’t to get off this pitch, it’s been a bad outing for them.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:22 , Mike Jones87 mins: Salah tries to curl a pass into the box but doesn’t fine a teammate.
City have been superb at nullifying him today.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:16 , Mike Jones84 mins: Chance!
A throw in for Man City sees the ball drop to Foden who rolls it across to O’Reilly.
He shoots from the left side of the box and smokes his effort over the top.
Federico Chiesa and Joe Gomez come on now to replace Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:15 , Mike Jones81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes now and the Liverpool players look disheartened and frustated.
Joe Gomez is ready to come on for the visitors. Arne Slot is poundering things heavily.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:14 , Mike Jones78 mins: Close!
Liverpool get the best chance of their game. Salah makes a run in from the right as a headed clearance sends the ball into his path.
Salah collects the ball, takes it into the box then chips Donnarumma only to guide the effort wide of the far post!
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:09 , Mike Jones75 mins: Szoboszlai feeds Salah in behind Nico O’Reilly but the City left-back sticks with him and takes the ball away from the Liverpool talisman.
O’Reilly has been superb against Salah today. They youngster has won that battle every time.
Will Slot bring on Isak?
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:07 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumWith the game seemingly gone, it will be interesting if Arne Slot brings on Alexander Isak in the last 20 minutes.
There could be some mockery from the City crowd for the Swede if he does.”
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:06 , Mike Jones72 mins: Liverpool have been very poor today.
Arne Slot must have been feeling good after the games against Aston Villa and Real Madrid but today has been a huge step backwards for the champions.
Is there time for them to salvage something?
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:04 , Mike Jones69 mins: Doku is flying away on the counter attack again but this time he’s nudged to the ground by Szoboszlai.
City quickly send the ball out to the right where Savinho runs it into the box.
Cody Gakpo sprints back to help out the Liverpool defence and touches the ball out for a throw in.
Man City 3-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 18:01 , Mike Jones66 mins: Gary Neville, on Sky Sports, has handed Doku the Player of the Match award already.
That’s just how impressive the City winger has been today.
Liverpool have to throw caution to the wind now. They need to get on the scoresheet and show some belief.
Doku has been terrific
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:58 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumDoku had been terrific without the end product today.
Now the end product arrived, and in spectacular style, a wonderful goal from 20 yards”
GOAL! Man City 3-0 Liverpool (Jeremy Doku, 63')
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:58 , Mike JonesWonderful!
This is the goal of the afternoon and it’s a fully deserved one for Jeremy Doku.
City ping the ball out over to O’Reilly who drives down the left wing before rolling a pass back to Doku.
Doku cuts inside, shifts past Konate and whips his effort into the far corner of thr goal!
The Etihad Stadium erupts and surely this is going to be a win for Pep Guardiola on his 1000th managerial match now.
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:55 , Mike Jones60 mins: A Liverpool goal changes the momentum of this game and they look more likely to score it now than they did in the first half.
Pep Guardiola is on his feet, hood of his jacked up to protect from the rain. He’s issuing instructions and looks slightly worried at what he’s witnessing.
For now though his team remain two goals ahead with an hour played.
Ekitike goes off, Gakpo is on
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:53 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumFlorian Wirtz goes through the middle as Ekitike goes off.
A reminder, perhaps, that Liverpool won here last season with no striker but with Curtis Jones and Szoboszlai as twin false nines.”
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:52 , Mike Jones57 mins: Liverpool’s latest corner is delivered by Florian Wirtz but cleared by the first Man City defender, Savinho.
Cody Gakpo is coming on for the visitors.
An attacking change by Guardiola
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:48 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumOstensibly an attacking change by Pep Guardiola but perhaps not.
On comes a winger, in Savinho, but Bernardo Silva can be more of a defensive midfielder than required than the departed Rayan Cherki, so this one may be designed to ensure City are solid in the centre.”
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:47 , Mike Jones54 mins: Pep Guardiola is making a change now.
Rayan Cherki heads off to be replaced by Savinho. That could be a slight tactical tweak in order to gain more control of possession.
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:45 , Mike Jones51 mins: Salah looks to make use of a threaded pass but Donnarumma storms out of his box and lunges for the ball.
Ruben Dias pokes it away from Salah as he’s clattered by his own keeper.
His touch is crucial though as Salah chases it down, City regroup and repel the attack.
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:43 , Mike Jones50 mins: Liverpool win a corner and Mo Salah strides over to take it.
Van Dijk is poised on the penalty spot as the ball is curled in.
It hits Bernardo Silva and goes out of play but there’s a whistle for a foul against City.
Free kick to the hosts.
Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:41 , Mike Jones48 mins: Already there’s a bit more aggression from Liverpool.
Szoboszlai takes down Gonzalez in the middle of the pitch.
City take the free kick quickly and find Doku. He sends it wide to O’Reilly then continues into the box.
The ball is squared but Doku’s outstretched leg can’t get on the end of it.
Second half! Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:39 , Mike JonesThe rain has been pounding down in Manchester making it a damp and dreary atmosphere.
That’s certainly how Liverpool will be feeling after that first half.
No changes from either manager at the break. City get the ball rolling once more.
HT Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:35 , Mike JonesManchester City had six shots in thet first half with four of them on target for an xG of 1.2.
That’s in contrast to Liverpool’s three attempts with none on target and an xG of just 0.14.
The big talking point though will be Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal which could have changed the momentum of the game.
HT Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:31 , Mike JonesMan City have the advantage in this match, Pep Guardiola’s 1000th as a manager.
Can they go on to win from here or will Liverpool make a comeback?
Are Liverpool out of luck?
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:27 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumLiverpool scored from a deflection last week, courtesy of a midfielder's shot from about 25 yards.
Now they have conceded in similar fashion.
After the disallowed goal, they could feel their luck is out.”
Half-time! Man City 2-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:23 , Mike Jones45+7 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half and it’s Man City who have a commanding lead.
Liverpool haven’t been at the races at all and it feels like a long, long way back for Arne Slot’s side from here.
GOAL! Man City 2-0 Liverpool (Nico Gonzalez, 45+3')
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:20 , Mike JonesThere’s the second!
Liverpool can’t get the ball out of their own final third and City pen them back.
The ball comes to Nico Gonzalez just outside the box. He takes a touch and drills a low effort at goal.
The ball hits Van Dijk’s standing leg, wrongfoots Mamardashvili and finishes in the back of the net!
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:18 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: Man City have probably been the better side and another goal wouldn’t be undeserved for the hosts.
Liverpool need a reset and must get to the break just one goal down at the very least.
A City corner is whipped in by Foden and flicked on by Haaland.
The ball drops to Doke who shoots but has his effort blocked.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:17 , Mike Jones45 mins: Seven minutes of added time to play before the end of the first half.
There’s been a few incidents all adding to that time tally.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:13 , Mike Jones42 mins: I think Liverpool can feel hard done by with that decision.
Donnarumma wasn’t getting anywhere near Van Dijk’s effort and he had a line of sight to follow the ball the whole way.
As the law is written though Robertson was impeding so it’s been ruled out.
That decision might inspire Liverpool to click into gear though. Arne Slot meanwhile is raging on the touchline.
NO GOAL! Man City 1-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:11 , Mike Jones39 mins: A VAR check hursts Liverpool.
Andy Robertson is stood close to Gianluigi Donnarumma in the six yard box.
He ducked underneath Van Dijk’s header and is judged to have been obstructing from an offside position.
Liverpool’s equaliser is chalked off!
GOAL! Man City 1-1 Liverpool (Virgil van Dijk, 38')
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:09 , Mike JonesLiverpool win a throw in deep in City’s half and send it to Szoboszlai.
He switches the play out to Mo Salah who takes on O’Reilly and wins a corner.
Salah himself trots over to take the set piece and swings the ball into the penalty area with Virgil van Dijk as the target.
Van Dijk meets it well and heads the ball into the bottom corner!
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:07 , Mike Jones35 mins: Alexis Mac Allister goes in the book for a late tackle on Doku.
City’s left winger is causing everyone problems out there. He’s strong and quick and unafraid to take players on.
It’s a great watch.
Man City 1-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:04 , Mike Jones32 mins: There’s a renewed confidence in Man City who are playing with verve and focus now.
Doku remains a handle but Cherki and Foden want in on the action as well when they attack through the middle.
It’s a tough period for Liverpool right now.
14th Premier League goal of the season for Haaland
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:03 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumIt felt as though Erling Haaland didn't know very much about that, but being able to score without knowing much about it is a useful skill to have.
It is his 14th goal of the Premier League season, anyway.”
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Liverpool (Erling Haaland, 29')
Sunday 9 November 2025 17:01 , Mike JonesRedemption!
The missed penalty hasn’t affected Erling Haaland.
City have been peppering the left side but this time they come down the right.
Matheus Nunes has the ball and decides to swing a cross into the box.
Haaland sets himself behind Konate, there’s a deflection but he gets a head to the ball and nods it into the far bottom corner!
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:58 , Mike Jones27 mins: Close!
Doku powers forward once more and takes on Bradley. He’s too strong for the Liverpool right-back and sits him down before spinning towards goal and firing a shot at the target.
It might be sneaking in but Mamadashvili takes no chances and pushes the effort wide.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:56 , Mike Jones26 mins: Arne Slot is the only manager in Pep Guardiola’s 1000 games to have faced him more than once and still have a 100% winning record.
That’s because Liverpool won both of their meetings against City last season.
The Reds look defensively sharp today as well - if you exclude the lapse in concentration that led to the penalty.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:55 , Mike Jones23 mins: Nico O’Reilly and Josko Gvardiol both take knocks and need a few seconds to recover.
Neither team have managed to keep control of the ball from more than a couple of minutes with the intensity heating up in the middle of the pitch.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:50 , Mike Jones20 mins: Will Erling Haaland rue that missed penalty?
Liverpool get the ball up to Hugo Ekitike who holds it up well and waits for reinforcements to arrive in the form of Andy Robertson.
He plays backwards but Liverpool spread the ball out to the right. Man City are back into a solid formation and instead of probing from the right Liverpool retreat again.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:48 , Mike Jones17 mins: Doku is the biggest threat for City.
He bombs down the left again and rolls a pass into the front edge of the box.
Rayan Cherki collects the ball and shoots but Konate manages to deflect it behind.
The resultant corner is dealt with by the Reds.
A brilliant save by Mamardashvili
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:47 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumA brilliant save by Mamardashvili.
Liverpool may feel justice was done, as contact with Doku was slight, even if the winger was going at full speed.
But Doku's early impact is interesting. Conor Bradley saw off Vinicius Junior on Tuesday but he may have a tougher task today.”
MISSED! Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:44 , Mike Jones12 mins: Erling Haaland takes the spot kick and drills it low to the goalkeeper’s left.
Mamardashvili dives the correct way and palms the ball clear!
Huge moment in the game.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:42 , Mike JonesPenalty to Man City!
11 mins: VAR sends the referee over to the pitchside monitor.
He sees contact between Mamardashvili and Doku and decides that there is enough to constitute a foul.
Erling haaland will have the chance to send the hosts ahead now...
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:41 , Mike Jones9 mins: Now then, what’s gone on here?
Doku darts past Conor Bradley and somehow gets the ball back off Konate.
He weaves into the box as Giorgi Mamardashvili dives towards the ball. There’s slight contact from the goalkeeper and Doku goes to ground.
The referee plays on and Liverpool clear their lines after two fine blocks from Dominik Szoboszlai.
This incident is going to VAR though...
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:38 , Mike Jones8 mins: Wirtz looks for space on the left but is crowded out by Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes.
City transition the ball sharply across the pitch and find Doku with space to run into.
He drives forward then laces a super pass over to Phil Foden who fails to control the ball on the edge of the box.
That could have been dangerous had Foden controlled it properly.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:36 , Mike Jones5 mins: Doku combines with Nico O’Reilly on the left wing.
The full-back makes an overlapping run to receive the ball then flicks a pass into the box.
Erling Haaland is the target but Ibrahima Konate is there to intercept and knock the ball away.
Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:32 , Mike Jones2 mins: Liverpool make their way forward but lose possession and City look to break quickly.
Jeremy Doku receives the ball and shimmies over to the right.
He’s tracked deep into Liverpool’s half but Florian Wirtz who, with the aid of Andy Robertson at left-back, stops the move from developing further.
Kick off! Man City 0-0 Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:31 , Mike JonesThere is a short ceremony ahead of kick off for Remembrance Day.
Military personnel and veterans are in attendance and the stadium quietens as a show of respect.
When the trumpeteer is done, Blue Moon rings out around the ground and the players are ready to go.
Alexis Mac Allister has the ball at his feet and sends it to Virgil van Dijk.
We’re underway!
Banners to celebrate Guardiola's 1000th game
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:28 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumA couple of massive banners for Pep Guardiola's 1000th game in management.
There have been more than 700 wins - but he has lost more than he has won against Liverpool.”
Man City vs Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:25 , Mike JonesAlmost time for kick off at the Etihad Stadium.
Both these teams can close the gap on Arsenal who currently sit top of the table.
Even at this relatively early stage of the season it could be a crucial encounter to win if City or Liverpool are to challenge for the title further down the line.
Let’s find out how it’ll play out, kick off is up next...
Salah to best Rooney?
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:20 , Mike JonesMo Salah (188 goals, 88 assists) went level with Wayne Rooney (Man Utd - 183 goals, 93 assists) for goals and assists combined for a single Premier League club with his goal for Liverpool against Aston Villa .
Salah has nine goals and six assists against Man City in the competition – the most goal involvements against City in Premier League history.
Haaland to reach 100?
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:15 , Mike JonesErling Haaland has netted 98 goals in 107 Premier League appearances – if he scores a brace in this game he will become the fastest player to 100 goals in Premier League history, with Alan Shearer the current quickest to 100 in 124 games.
Can Liverpool shut City out?
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:10 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola’s City side lost both meetings with Liverpool 2-0 last season.
Only against Manchester United in 2020 has the Spaniard seen his sides go three games without scoring against a single opposition.
Set piece woes for City
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:05 , Mike JonesMan City are the only team yet to score a Premier League goal via a set piece this season, with all 20 of their goals coming from open play.
They are the first side in Premier League history to score as many as 20 goals in their first 10 games of a season without any of them being from a set piece.
Arsenal look ‘almost impossible’ to stop but have long way to go
Sunday 9 November 2025 16:00 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola admits it may seem like stopping Arsenal is “almost impossible” but is well aware titles are not won in November.
Guardiola’s Manchester City face a strong test of their mettle as they host reigning champions Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
The match is important for both clubs as they look to keep the pressure on the Gunners at the top of the table.
Pep Guardiola: Arsenal look ‘almost impossible’ to stop but have long way to go
Fortress Etihad
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:55 , Mike JonesSince the start of April, Manchester City have won the most points in the Premier League (42).
They’ve won 13 of 19 games including nine of their last 10 at the Etihad Stadium.
Positive signs for Liverpool?
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:50 , Mike JonesLiverpool put an end to their four game losing run in the Premier League by beating Aston Villa 2-0.
However, the Reds have lost their last three away from home and haven’t lost four on the bounce on their travels since April 2012 under Kenny Dalglish.
Another win for City?
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:45 , Mike JonesMan City have won 10 of their last 12 Premier League games against reigning champions.
Most recently a 4-1 victory against Liverpool at Anfield in February 2021.
A big day for Wirtz
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:45 , Richard Jolly at the Etihad StadiumA big day for Florian Wirtz, who has been a substitute in the Premier League of late but whose performance against Real Madrid earns him a start against one of his summer suitors.
Man City missed out on the German, signed Rayan Cherki instead and he also starts.”
Haaland on facing Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:40 , Mike Jones“We need to be ready because it’s not going to be an easy game,” said Erling Haaland about today’s match.
“The competition between Man City and Liverpool has been amazing in previous years – pushing each other to get better and fighting for the title.
“It’s going to be a difficult game, and we need to be at our best.”
Haaland has 'never felt better'
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:35 , Mike JonesErling Haaland feels he is in the best shape he has ever been after making a stunning start to the season.
The prolific Man City striker has scored 27 goals in just 17 appearances for club and country this season.
“It’s been a good start and I feel really good. I feel this is the best version of myself. I’ve never felt better than now.
“To keep sharp, I need to keep my mind in the right place, I need to recover well, I need to get a lot of treatment, I need to eat the right things.
“It’s staying in the zone and having that balance. It’s about maintaining the energy levels, being motivated and doing the things that are good for my body and for my brain.”
How Hugo Ekitike looks to Erling Haaland in mission to join attacking elite
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:30 , Richard JollyFor a footballer who was on loan at Vejle Boldklub as recently as 2021, Hugo Ekitike is accustomed to spending time with the world’s elite attackers.
He will share a pitch with Erling Haaland on Sunday. He has shared a dressing room with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Ousmane Dembele, Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak.
It has served as an elite education, but Ekitike is still looking and learning. Even as Liverpool seek to overcome Manchester City, Haaland can provide an example for him.
How Hugo Ekitike looks to Erling Haaland in mission to join attacking elite
No changes for Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:25 , Mike JonesArne Slot has elected to stick with the same line-up that defeated Real Madrid during the week.
That means Andy Robertson starts at left-back and Florian Wirtz is given the nod ahead of Cody Gakpo on the left wing.
Man City team changes
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:20 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola makes three changes to the line-up that defeated Borussia Dortmund during the week.
John Stones drops out of the back line for Ruben Dias while Savinho and Tijjani Reijnders are replaced in midfield with Bernardo Silva and Rayan Cherki.
Liverpool team to take on Man City
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:17 , Mike JonesLiverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
How we line up to take on Manchester City ✊🔴 #MCILIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 9, 2025
Man City line-up to face Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:16 , Mike JonesMan City XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gonzalez; Bernardo, Foden, Cherki, Doku; Haaland
Your City line-up! 💪🩵
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 9, 2025
XI | Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly, Nico, Bernardo (C), Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
SUBS | Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Bobb, Lewis
🤝 @etihad pic.twitter.com/YWYbutQhMj
Two in a row on the road?
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:10 , Mike JonesLiverpool won this exact fixture 2-0 last season but haven’t won consecutive away league games against Man City since a run of three between 1987 and 1991.
Man City vs Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:05 , Mike JonesMan City lost both Premier League meetings with Liverpool last season, as many defeats as they’d suffered in their previous 12 against them (Four wins, six draws).
They last lost more consecutively against the Reds between March 2015 and December 2016 (4).
Guardiola misses battles with Klopp
Sunday 9 November 2025 15:00 , Mike JonesAs Pep Guardiola prepares to face his 1000th game as a manager he revealed that Liverpool are the best opponents to go up against but misses his former battles with Jurgen Klopp.
“If I were to choose one rival for this personal milestone, that I want to share with many people, they [Liverpool] would be the best,” said Guardiola.
“I’ve been longer than ever in this country. Of course Barcelona, the impact on my life as a ballboy, football player, manager, and so on is obvious and Bayern was an incredible step as well.
“But Liverpool, especially with Jurgen, have been the biggest rivals in this country and it could not be better, to be honest. So destiny decided that and it’s nice to live it.
“In terms of Jurgen’s side or Pep’s side, I think we respected each other. I had the feeling that Jurgen gave me a lot and I miss him.
“He gave me a lot in sense of, to beat that guy, how much I have to think and work and do it, to make it better.”
Pep Guardiola admits he misses old rival Jurgen Klopp
Sunday 9 November 2025 14:55 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola admits he misses Jurgen Klopp as he prepares to face his great rival’s old club in the 1,000th game of his managerial career.
But the Manchester City boss feels there can be no more fitting opponent than Liverpool as he reaches four figures with a visit from the reigning champions in the Premier League on Sunday.
Salah will be vital
Sunday 9 November 2025 14:50 , Mike JonesMo Salah’s contribution to Liverpool’s play this afternoon could be crucial if they are to defeat Man City.
Arne Slot said: "It's very important for us to have Mo scoring goals and for Mo to have played how he played against City last season where he also scored a goal and assisted and helped the team out a lot in his defensive work.”
Robertson proves worth to Liverpool
Sunday 9 November 2025 14:45 , Mike JonesLiverpool head coach Arne Slot insists age is no barrier to players' futures if they continue to contribute positively to the team.
Talk has started over the longevity of some of the Reds’ key personnel including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.
"Over 30 doesn't tell me anything," said Slot.
"If I look at Virgil, Mo and Robbo, who was last season also above 30, all three of them were able to win the Premier League and all three of them played a big part in it.
"If a 24-year-old doesn't play as well, nobody talks about his age. If a 32, 33, 34-year-old has one or two bad games people start talking about age.”
Guardiola to reach 1000 games
Sunday 9 November 2025 14:40 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola will hit 1000 games as a manager with the visit of Liverpool this afternoon in what is undoubtably an incredible career.
He has won 715 of the 999 games he has overseen since first being put in charge of Barcelona B in 2007.
“The numbers are insane,” Guardiola said.
“I’m not living thinking of how many, but when you have the milestone and you read what you have done – the victories, the averages, not just in Premier League, in Champions League…
“We have done incredible things in Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here. Incredible. It’s so difficult to reach it.
“If I started again I would not reach it. It’s too much games, so few defeats and hopefully on Sunday we can continue.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
