Thank you so much — Guardiola grateful after receiving 'best gift' on 1000th game

Manchester City defeated Liverpool 3-0 at the Etihad in a dominant performance.

The win, secured by goals from Erling Haaland, Nico González, and Jérémy Doku, narrowed the gap to league leaders Arsenal to just four points. The result was particularly significant as it followed Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Sunderland a day earlier.

The victory was a fitting celebration for Guardiola's 1,000th match as a manager, a milestone he acknowledged with gratitude.

"Thank you to the players and staff for giving me an incredible present and the best gift against the most important opponent we faced in my time here," Guardiola reflected.

"It has been nice playing against them and seeing Virgil [van Dijk], [Andy] Robertson, Mo Salah after all the battles we have had.

"It has been a special night with my kids here."

Jérémy Doku was a standout performer for City, earning an early penalty that Haaland missed before scoring a spectacular goal in the second half.

Guardiola praised the Belgian winger's display, especially noting Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley's recent strong performance against Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior.

"He [Doku] is demanding himself to be better, he listens, and he has special attributes with dribbles," said Guardiola.

Manchester City now go into the international break just four points behind league leaders Arsenal.