Manchester City

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Jeremy Doku has been accused, often justifiably, of showing frustrating inconsistency since joining Manchester City in a £55.4m deal from Rennes in August 2023.

The 23-year-old has put all that aside this season to become one of the major catalysts in Guardiola's restructured side, as he proved with an outstanding performance that made life a misery for Liverpool's defence.

Doku gave Conor Bradley, outstanding when Liverpool beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, a torrid time. The Reds right-back was outpaced and turned inside out by sheer speed and power.

It was Doku who set the tone for a City display that was a real statement of intent, not only overcoming the side who have been their main rivals for so long, but also firing a warning to Arsenal that they are now breathing down their necks.

Haaland, as always, was the spearhead, but he was aided and abetted by the promptings of Doku, the revitalised Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva.

Liverpool, champions last season, had their moments in the second half, but City never lost control.

Whenever the hosts were threatened, the giant figure of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma demonstrated that Guardiola has invested in world-class quality. This was never more notable than when the Italian made a flying save from Dominik Szoboszlai.

Guardiola and City travelled through stormy waters last season, but the creation, composure and sheer threat contained in this emphatic dismissal of Liverpool was a clear message that normal service is close to being resumed.

Man City Boss Pep Guardiola, speaking BBC MOTD after their 3-0 victory against Liverpool: "Really good first half, they pushed more [in the second half].

"We forget a bit to play especially in the first five or 10 minutes. They lose balls and we created momentum for them. Then they have one or two chances."

On Nico O'Reilly: "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."

On Jeremy Doku: "Listen, I know I'm good, but don't overestimate me. The players do it for themselves. We have to try give them good momentum, and a good connection. Do you think I teach him how to dribble openings? This is natural talent.

"He had an outstanding game against one of the best full-backs in the Premier League."

On landmark 1,000 games: "Just want to say thank you to the players and the backroom staff to give me that present. Proud to do it here in Manchester with my City.

"Now rest and come back with the energy.

"I think my period at Barcelona B is the foundation for many things. To realise myself that I was able to do it and learn a lot.

"I will never forget the guys in that first season. For me, it has been so special to make 1,000 games in front of my family and especially against Liverpool. I have a huge respect for that club."

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on City's performance

What did you make of Liverpool's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Manchester City are unchanged from their last Premier League game against Bournemouth, but make three changes to the side that beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Captain Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and Rayan Cherki all start, with Tijjani Reijnders, John Stones and Savinho dropping to the bench.

Midfielder Rodri is not involved for Pep Guardiola's side.

Manchester City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Gonzalez, Silva, Foden, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.

Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Marmoush, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Bobb, Lewis

Liverpool are unchanged from their impressive victory over Real Madrid during the week, which means Florian Wirtz - who was linked with a move to City during the summer - keeps his place in the side.

The Reds have options to bring on in attack as Alexander Isak is on the bench, alongside Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa.

Liverpool XI: Marmadashvili, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike.

Subs: Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Kerkez, Isak, Chiesa, Jones, Gakpo, Ngumoha.

There are five games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Bournemouth - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Brentford v Newcastle - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Crystal Palace v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3

• Nottingham Forest v Leeds - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester City v Liverpool (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction from the 14:00 games here

And go here for Man City v Liverpool

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Aston Villa v Bournemouth" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Man City v Liverpool", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Did Liverpool turn a corner with their great win over Real Madrid in midweek? Maybe, but this will show us where they are really at.

I feel like these two teams have cancelled each other out when they have met in recent years, but this time it feels like a game they both have to try to win - and it is Manchester City I'm backing to come out on top.

The big call for all Fantasy Premier League managers is whether to triple-captain Erling Haaland. I'm not going to do that, but I do think he will score. Seriously, how can you go into any game at the moment and think that he won't?

Whoever wins this, I feel like both teams are fighting for second place anyway, because I don't see anyone catching Arsenal now.

People sometimes get angry when I say things like that, but I do think they will win the title from here and I've changed my prediction from before the season started when I went for Liverpool.

I don't often do that so early, but I don't think Liverpool can win it any more. We've already seen in the first 10 games how they are too vulnerable defensively, and then you look at how good Arsenal are at the back.

It is a similar story with City. I feel they will need Rodri at his very best to push the Gunners, but his injury problems don't appear to be over.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Pep Guardiola celebrates a milestone versus a Liverpool side who beat Manchester City twice last season. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match.

Guardiola takes charge of his 1,000th game as a manager this weekend, reaching the landmark against the club that have proved his most formidable adversary.

The Catalan has lost a joint-high 10 fixtures versus Liverpool in his career, equalling his number of defeats against Tottenham.

Meanwhile, of the clubs he has faced six times or more, the Reds are the only team against whom he has a losing record. The 54-year-old has won six and drawn eight of 24 meetings, with the 2019 Community Shield, won by City on penalties, classified as a draw.

His side lost both of last season's encounters 2-0 but will take confidence from their strong recent record at the Etihad Stadium.

City have registered victories in 11 of their past 12 home matches in all competitions, winning each of the last six by at least two goals.

Erling Haaland, meanwhile, has 27 goals in 17 games for club and country this season and 98 in 107 career appearances in the Premier League. He needs two more to become the fastest player to reach a century in the competition, breaking the record set by Alan Shearer after 124 matches.

Are Liverpool getting back to their best?

After a recent run of six defeats in seven games, Liverpool have claimed consecutive wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, with Tuesday's Champions League victory particularly impressive.

Though the Reds only had 38.8% possession, their lowest figure since March, they kept the visitors at arm's length and were the far more threatening side.

The Merseysiders had nine shots on target to their opponents' two, while their expected goals figure of 2.51 dwarfed Real's tally of 0.45 – the Spaniards' lowest xG in any competition for a year.

Mohamed Salah had a relatively quiet night in midweek, registering just two shots and completing only 11 passes.

But if there is one man likely to spoil Guardiola's millennial milestone it is the 33-year-old Egyptian, who has been directly involved in 15 Premier League goals against Manchester City, more than any other player in the competition's history.

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Liverpool have delivered the rivalry of his career as he prepares to manage his 1,000th game.

Guardiola's side host the Reds on Sunday, the latest fixture in a back-and-forth rivalry that has seen the clubs consistently compete for the title - scooping the last eight in a row between them.

Across his career, Guardiola has faced Liverpool 24 times, winning on six occasions and losing 10 times.

While he will come up against Arne Slot on Sunday, the Anfield club's former boss Jurgen Klopp has beaten Guardiola 11 times across their careers, while the City manager has 10 wins against the German.

On Friday, Guardiola explained if he could choose one club to face in his 1,000th game, Liverpool would be fitting.

"If I was to choose one rival, personal, of course I want to share it with many people but that would be the best," he said.

"Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country so it could not be better to be honest. Jurgen Klopp gave me a lot and I miss him. It was a sense of to beat that guy how much I have to work and be better. I think we pushed Liverpool to be better and Liverpool pushed us to be better, that's for sure."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Guardiola's news conference was dominated by Sunday being his 1,000th game as a manager. Here are the key lines:

• Guardiola opened with: "I have had 2,000 press conferences. That was the best moment. I didn't enjoy every single moment but I have been blessed I would say."

• Asked if we can expect to see him for another 1,000 games and 2,000 news conferences he laughed and said: "No. It's too much."

• The City boss said he was "more insecure than now" in his opening fixture as a manager. But when asked what he thinks when people say he is the greatest manager of all time, he joked: "They are completely right. Of course, I can say I have been part of history. I have been a success and it is nice to watch our teams, so I am there. I never started to think I want to be the best. Mum and dad gave me competitiveness but not to kill to be the best. I have had extraordinary clubs, but at the same time you have this opportunity and we did it."

• He was asked about the perception his style changed the sport and said: "No. I try to make my teams play the way I wanted. I didn't betray for one second my feelings. In that process I learned a lot and I changed many things. But what I believe in my heart, I didn't betray once."

• Asked about his record - which features a 71.6% win rate as a manager - Guardiola said "the numbers are insane".

• He agreed with Sir Alex Ferguson's belief that good players hold the key to success as a manager, adding: "When I say go there, they follow me all the time."

• Guardiola stressed Liverpool have been his biggest rivals during his career, stating: "If I was to choose one rival, personal, of course I want to share it with many people but that would be the best. Liverpool have been the biggest rival in this country so it could not be better to be honest. Jurgen Klopp gave me a lot and I miss him. It was a sense of to beat that guy how much I have to work and be better. I think we pushed Liverpool to be better and Liverpool pushed us to be better, that's for sure."

• Arsenal's formidable form as league leaders and the prospect of chasing them down was put to Guardiola: "They play games, don't concede goals or chances, it will be impossible if they continue. Always you expect you will be better and they will drop points. All we can be is close, close, close. It is exceptional what they are doing. But we are early November - nobody wins the title. You can lose it but nobody wins a title."

• On whether Rodri will feature against Liverpool: "I think we don't take risk. We are still in November, the best part of the season is ahead of us and we need him. Still we are playing without the Ballon d'Or winner of two seasons ago and we miss him."

Listen to Pep Guardiola here on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to Man City v Liverpool here on BBC Radio 5 Live

How to follow the Premier League on the BBC this weekend

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Sir Alex Ferguson and Mikel Arteta have praised the "longevity" of Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City boss prepares for his 1,000th game as a manager.

Guardiola will reach the landmark on Sunday when he leads City against LIverpool in the Premier League (16:30 GMT).

Ferguson, who managed more than 2,000 games, said: "Pep! I am absolutely delighted to welcome you to join the prestigious LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club.

"Your deep love and passion for the game has always been so evident and you should be very proud of the indelible impact you continue to have across the global game.

"Reaching 1,000 matches and achieving such longevity in football is a landmark that can never be underestimated and, to continue to deliver league, Champions League and domestic cup titles in three of Europe's most competitive leagues is outstanding."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta - formerly Guardiola's assistant - commented: "It's an incredible achievement, it goes in the history of the very best and the few that could only achieve something like that and again, as I said, I think it will remain in the history of football for the years to come.

"I would be extremely happy and proud if one day I'm able to do what he's done in his career because, as you all know, he's been probably the most important person in my football career.

"And I'm incredibly proud of him and what he's done."

• Did you know? No player has played more games under Guardiola than Bernardo Silva's 421. Kevin De Bruyne sits second on 381, with the likes of Lionel Messi 14th on 219.

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England boss Thomas Tuchel says he does not see Phil Foden as a winger and that he will play a central role for the Three Lions.

The Manchester City forward has earned an England recall for their World Cup qualifiers against Serbia (13 November) and Albania (16 November).

"Where he played lately [against] Dortmund was where I see him the strongest. Close to the opponent's box, maybe as a mix between a nine and a 10," Tuchel said.

"For me, Phil scores and assists more from the 18-yard box where he scored against Dortmund. He's in the pockets and he assists.

"The main thing with Phil is that he gets a role in the central part of the pitch. I don't see him as a winger at the moment and maybe not any more.

"He should have a central role. I think that brings out his strengths the most. We've talked about this already with him."

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England boss Thomas Tuchel has named his 25-man squad for the final time this year ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

The Three Lions have already secured qualification.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), John Stones (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal might not be putting a foot wrong at the moment, but are Manchester City and defending Liverpool champions still in the title race with them?

Whether 10 games is still too early to make a fair judgment of how a season might pan out, it does provide a good marker for comparison with just over a quarter of the campaign gone.

The fewest points a team has had after 10 games in the Premier League and gone on to win the title is 18 - something achieved by both Manchester clubs, with United doing so in 1992-93 and 2002-03 and City in 2020-21.

By both winning last weekend, Manchester City and Liverpool have avoided having to make Premier League history by winning the title with fewer than 18 points after 10 games.

However, the most points a team has been behind the leaders after 10 matches and still gone on to claim the trophy is six - something again achieved by both Manchester clubs, with United doing so in 2002-03 and City in 2013-14.

As both the Gunners and City picked up three points last weekend, it means they have the same points as in 2013-14, when City were six points behind then leaders Arsenal and still won the title (25 v 19).

On the other hand, Liverpool are - according to history - effectively out of the title race as they now sit seven points behind the north London side and overcoming that difference at this stage of the season has never been done before.

The Gunners' six-point lead is, in fact, the joint-biggest ever after 10 games of a Premier League campaign and it is just the third time in the competition's history a team has had such a big lead at this stage - with both Chelsea in 2005-06 and Liverpool in 2019-20 going on to win the title on those occasions.

Another positive sign for Arsenal supporters is that the three points picked up against Burnley last Saturday has taken them to the average number of points at this stage of the campaign for title-winning teams (25 - average is 24.7).

So, while much of the historical data points in the direction of the Premier League trophy heading to Emirates Stadium at the end of the season, this is football - and records are there to be broken.

Stats provided by BBC Sport statistician Chris Collinson

Manchester City, Leeds, Everton, Barcelona and Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in 20-year-old Manchester United and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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With the countdown to the Celebrity Traitors final under way, we asked you which Manchester City player or manager - past or present - would make the best traitor and faithful.

Here are some of your comments:

James: Surely the biggest traitor would have to be Carlos Tevez. As well as playing for both Manchester clubs, he strikes me as a mischievous player. As for the most loyal, I would have to pick Kevin de Bruyne as it feels like he loves the club.

John: Denis Law, viewed as a traitor by both reds and blues but always faithful to the team he played for.

Ian: Faithful Phil Foden - blue through and through. Traitor Joao Cancelo. Great player, but selfish and not a team player.

Brian: No doubt Erling Haaland has to be a good traitor. He is the only one who has a devious side and be under the radar. Before you know what is happening he hits you!

John: Pity he has left, but Kyle Walker would have made a perfect traitor.

You can watch the final of The Celebrity Traitors live from 21:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer

Emily Brobyn
Fan writer

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Managers always have a tricky decision to make when it comes to nurturing young talent and plotting their pathway through from an academy prospect into a first-team member.

Should you send them out on loan to benefit from more game time? Should you keep them close to the first team set-up and drip feed them through gradually, minute-by-minute?

Pep Guardiola got it absolutely spot on when it comes to Phil Foden. When a minority of fans called for time away from the club for experience, Guardiola kept the ace in his pack, the Stockport-born midfielder, very close to his chest - and Foden has benefitted magnificently from the decision.

It is hard to believe that he is now 25 years old. Manchester City fans have watched him grow on the pitch from a prodigious trickster to the maturing maverick that he is right now.

After enjoying the season of his career in 2023-24, winning multiple individual 'Player of the Year' honours, Foden was in the form of his life. Then came last season, besieged with fitness struggles and unable to maintain a regular run of games, critics began to ask questions.

Those questions were unequivocally answered during City's rampant 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.

The Blues maintained their unbeaten run in the Champions League so far this campaign with a stunning victory, inspired by local hero Foden.

On Bonfire Night, while fireworks decorated the East Manchester sky, Foden lit the blue touchpaper with an inspired performance on the stage that he loves most.

He delivered his two goals exquisitely - a statement that he is back to his best and a timely reminder, in case it was needed, to Thomas Tuchel ahead of England heading to the World Cup next year.

Foden has now scored in eight consecutive Champions League campaigns - a sign of a mercurial player and a remarkable feat at the age of 25. He is unquestionably a focal point of this City side, nurtured and developed perfectly by Guardiola.

Emily Brobyn is regularly on BBC Radio Manchester - find all their Man City audio here

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Manchester City defender John Stones speaking to reporters about the form of Phil Foden and the midfielder's England prospects: "I'm just so pleased for him. I'm a big fan of Phil, of everything (he does), how he plays the game, how everything just comes so natural to him.

"I'm so pleased that he's back on the scoresheet, back happy, enjoying his football. I think that's when you get the best out of him.

"I know he wants to be (in the squad). He's been a huge part of it, I know that the manager loves him.

"It's a privileged place to be, and we've all got to fight to be there and earn the shirt, but I think without a doubt, he's given him a good headache for selection."

Stones was also full of praise for Rayan Cherki: "He's someone I'd love to have here. His composure, his ability with both feet, his balance, flair, his arrogance in a really good way, he'll take the ball, see something no-one else does. He has that quality. I'm really pleased he's here, back playing and scoring."

Listen to Stones speak to reporters

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

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Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva made his 100th Champions League appearance last night against Borussia Dortmund and, in doing so, joined an exclusive club.

The 31-year-old became the 53rd player to reach that milestone but only the fourth from Portugal, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Luis Figo.

No player has appeared in the competition more times than Ronaldo and all four Portuguese centurions have lifted the famous trophy at least once.

Silva made 82 of his 100 appearances with Manchester City and the other 18 at his previous club Monaco.

He has contributed a total of 17 goals and 12 assists in that time, an average of almost one goal involvement in every three matches.

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We asked for your thoughts after Man City faced Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Here are some of your comments:

Harry: That is exactly the kind of dominance we needed to see before Liverpool on Sunday. Our academy products are something for fans to be proud of. O'Reilly is all over the pitch and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Haaland is just Haaland, he's incomparable and I'd swap him for no one. Foden is so immensely talented and can low drive into the bottom corner like no one else. Defensively we switched off in the last half an hour and maybe the BVB goal was inevitable, but Cherki rewarded Pep's confidence in him to tie up a brilliant showing. So proud of the lads, bring on Liverpool.

Mark: Good competent all-round performance, Foden is back for good just like Take That! Doku is frightening the life out of defenders and Haaland found his scoring boots! Happy days all round.

Koza: Cherki looks like Eden Hazard to me. The touches, flicks and the ability to take on players at will were magnificent. Complete team performance, but we don't deserve to concede a simple goal like this.

David: Excellent forward performance but still lack defensive security.