Doku’s Stellar Performance Highlights City’s Dominance Over Liverpool

Had it not been for Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku might have been playing for Liverpool last Sunday, potentially outpacing Matheus Nunes and Ruben Dias. Liverpool had identified the winger during his youth career at Anderlecht, envisioning him as a successor to Sadio Mane. In 2018, at the Melwood training ground, Doku and his family were welcomed by players such as Simon Mignolet and Mane himself, while Steven Gerrard, then a youth coach, discussed tactical insights with them.

At just 15, Doku faced a tempting offer he could hardly refuse. However, Lukaku—also a product of Anderlecht’s academy—intervened with a video call that ultimately swayed the young talent to stay in Belgium for two more years before transferring to Rennes and eventually joining Manchester City in 2023. Following his recent electrifying performance, it would be fitting for City to send Lukaku a bottle of champagne.

Doku was simply uncontainable, becoming the first Premier League player since compatriot Eden Hazard in 2019 to score, win over 10 duels, complete seven or more dribbles, create at least three chances, and have three or more shots on target in a single match. This feat came just five days after Liverpool’s Conor Bradley had excelled against Vinicius Jr.

“He had an outstanding game against one of the best full-backs in the Premier League,” stated Guardiola. “Do you think I teach him how to dribble openings? This is natural talent.”

While Doku’s raw ability has always been apparent, adapting to City’s complex style of play has posed challenges. His initial seasons were marked by sporadic brilliance with inconsistent outputs. However, this current season suggests he has finally adapted, as exemplified by his dominant performances against teams like Manchester United and Burnley earlier in the campaign.

Bradley was celebrated for his impressive performance against Real Madrid last week, but the match against Doku served as a harsh reminder of the swift changes in fortunes in football. Although attempts were made to contain Doku in the second half with Ryan Gravenberch assisting Bradley, it offered only temporary relief as Liverpool struggled to find their footing, ultimately failing to score.

As Doku continued to thrive, Bradley faced a secondary threat from Nico O’Reilly, while Ibrahima Konate was left to confront the Belgian on the edge of the area. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Konate’s indecision allowed Doku to seal the victory.

Earlier in the game, Konate had also lost a crucial aerial duel to Erling Haaland, who scored the opening goal. With rumors circulating about Konate’s potential move to Real Madrid, Liverpool supporters may find solace in the prospect of a fresh start following a performance like this.

In contrast, Guardiola celebrated a significant milestone—his 1000th game as a coach—with not one but three banners, reflecting his profound impact on City’s trajectory since joining in 2016. Under his stewardship, City has achieved unparalleled success, including their first Champions League title, multiple domestic cups, and six Premier League titles, including a historic run of four consecutive wins.

Guardiola remarked that there could be no more fitting opponent than Liverpool to commemorate such an occasion, highlighting the fierce rivalry that has developed between the two clubs.

For Slot, this defeat not only marked a setback but also starkly illustrated the disparity in quality between the two teams. He candidly acknowledged his side’s shortcomings, admitting multiple times in post-match interviews that City outperformed them. Commentators such as Gary Neville and Roy Keane echoed this sentiment, criticizing Liverpool’s lack of intensity and energy.

As Slot contemplates this defeat, he has two weeks to devise a strategy to address the evident issues before his players return from the international break.

While City may not have been the first team to defeat Liverpool this season, they accomplished something unprecedented—keeping a clean sheet against them for the first time in 14 months. The last team to achieve this feat was Nottingham Forest in September 2024, which triggered a remarkable 27-game unbeaten run for the Reds. City’s resolute defense, led by Ruben Dias, effectively neutralized Liverpool’s offensive threats.

Dias’s commanding performance was exemplified when he intervened to thwart a potential goal-scoring opportunity for Mohamed Salah. He, alongside Nunes and O’Reilly, contributed to an impressive defensive display, ensuring that City maintained their lead.

As the Premier League season unfolds, Guardiola’s cheeky reminder to Arsenal about their lead at the top may have inspired his squad, particularly after Arsenal’s recent draw. This development could benefit City’s momentum as they strive for further success.