Sunday began and ended in celebration for Pep Guardiola. The 54-year-old marked his 1,000th match as a manager with his 716th victory. His Manchester City side swept aside champions Liverpool in style at Etihad Stadium.
As the final whistle blew, home fans sang “We’ve got Guardiola” to the tune of Glad All Over. Their chant echoed a sense of gratitude and belief. The foundations for another Premier League challenge are firmly in place.
Last season, Guardiola and City looked drained. Injuries piled up after a record fourth consecutive league title. But the injection of new talent has revived both the team and its manager. City climbed to second place, four points behind leaders Arsenal.
“Teams win the Premier League when they grow every month,” said Guardiola. “When that happens, you reach the end fighting for the title. We talk a lot, and I feel we are on that path. It’s nice to feel we are back. The energy is back.”
Guardiola rediscovers his joy
Guardiola’s smile after the Liverpool win told its own story. Walking across the pitch, soaking up the applause, he looked like a man who had rediscovered his joy for football.
Since joining City from Bayern Munich in 2016, Guardiola has reshaped English football. Yet last season brought his first year without a major trophy in eight years. Doubts emerged. Could he go again? Was the era nearing its end?
City’s commanding performance on Sunday delivered a resounding answer. The team played with hunger and control, crushing a rival Guardiola once said pushed him to his best.
He often speaks of a “good vibe” around the squad since the Club World Cup in summer. That positivity now translates into performances on the pitch.
While other teams rely on set pieces and long throws, City remain faithful to their intricate passing style. But the new version of Guardiola’s side can also play direct when needed. Matheus Nunes’ cross for Erling Haaland’s header against Liverpool showed that variety. Haaland now has 14 league goals in 11 games this season.
City’s intensity has also returned. The team has covered more ground than any other in the league this season — 1,268.7 kilometres in total, averaging 115.3 per game, up 5.5 from last year.
“We are more unpredictable in attack and defence,” said Guardiola. “It’s good that opponents don’t know what we’ll do. That energy helps us in games.”
A manager who evolves with the game
Former City defender Nedum Onuoha told a radio broadcast that Guardiola has evolved drastically over the years. “The difference between Guardiola in his first 100 matches and now is striking,” he said. “He has adapted to how football changes and always kept his finger on the pulse.”
Former City midfielder Michael Brown agreed. “Now we see him encouraging his team to hold the ball in the corner at the end of games. In the Champions League, they played direct to Haaland under pressure. That wouldn’t have happened before. Defensively, they see games out better.”
The City of old returns
City have had their setbacks this season with losses to Brighton, Tottenham and Aston Villa, but two came early in August. A summer of transformation saw long-time stars depart. Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson all moved on after years of service.
Yet City’s run of one defeat in 14 games shows their rhythm is back. The consistency that brought six titles in eight years and a Champions League crown has returned.
Haaland remains the spearhead. His goal against Liverpool lifted his season tally to 28 in 18 matches for club and country.
After the Villa loss, Guardiola demanded more goals from his midfielders and wingers. Against Liverpool, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku answered that call.
Gonzalez has grown into the number six role in Rodri’s absence, touching the ball more than any City player. Left-back Nico O’Reilly neutralised Mohamed Salah, winning five tackles — the most on the pitch.
“Nico O’Reilly was amazing,” said Guardiola. “Everyone was extraordinary. They are still the champions.”
He also praised Bernardo Silva, saying the Portuguese “was there” even after struggling last season. “He’s been incredible for us,” Guardiola said. “In the way we played, he’s a master.”
Silva and Phil Foden each ran over 12.5 kilometres on Sunday — among the highest totals of the Premier League season.
Former striker Dion Dublin summed it up perfectly. “Guardiola has his team where he wants them again. This is the City of old — dominant, confident, ruthless. Liverpool were outclassed. Never write City off.”
Liverpool dropped to eighth place, eight points behind Arsenal. Their coach Arne Slot admitted five defeats were “too many” and insisted the title race is not their concern now.
Guardiola and his rejuvenated City, however, are thinking very differently.
