Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku has boldly declared that his side remains superior to Liverpool, despite suffering a 2-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in Sunday’s Premier League clash. The Belgian international shared his thoughts in an interview with the club’s official website, offering a candid analysis of the match and asserting confidence in City’s overall capabilities.
The loss to Liverpool marked a rare setback for Manchester City this season, as Jurgen Klopp’s team capitalized on two clinical strikes—one from a set piece and another following a long ball—to secure all three points. While the result may have raised eyebrows given the Citizens’ dominance in recent years, Doku insisted that the performance did not reflect a significant gap between the two sides.
“To be fair, if I look at the game, I don’t think that they were much better than us,” Doku stated. “Two goals, one set piece, and the second goal was a long ball, so well done to them.” His assessment underscores the belief within the squad that Liverpool’s victory was more about seizing opportunities rather than outplaying City over the course of the match.
Liverpool’s first goal came from a well-executed corner kick, highlighting their proficiency in set-piece situations—a recurring theme throughout the season. The second goal, which resulted from a long clearance by goalkeeper Alisson, showcased the Reds’ ability to exploit spaces effectively. According to Doku, these moments proved decisive but did not overshadow City’s overall dominance in terms of possession and attacking intent.
Acknowledging Liverpool’s strengths, Doku added, “We know their qualities and that they like to play in behind. They did well, and after it is hard to come back against a team that defends well like that.” This statement reflects the tactical challenges posed by Klopp’s side, particularly their knack for transitioning quickly from defense to attack. Once Liverpool took the lead, they maintained discipline and solidity at the back, making it difficult for City to claw their way back into the contest.
Despite the defeat, Doku expressed pride in his team’s display, emphasizing areas where improvements could be made. “We played well, but the situations that we had, we could have dealt better with them,” he admitted. This self-critique highlights the high standards expected within the Manchester City setup, where even a solid performance can leave room for refinement.
Comparing this encounter to the reverse fixture earlier in the season, when Liverpool triumphed 1-0 at Anfield, Doku argued that City performed better in this latest meeting. “We played better against them than we did away. Of course, there is a gap in points, but today you can’t say that they ran over us,” he remarked. This comparison serves to reinforce his conviction that the Citizens remain competitive against any opponent, regardless of the scoreboard.
The Belgian winger’s remarks also speak to the broader mindset within Pep Guardiola’s squad—a refusal to dwell on setbacks and instead focus on continuous improvement. While the loss to Liverpool temporarily dented City’s hopes of closing the gap at the top of the table, it does little to diminish their status as one of Europe’s most formidable teams. Their ability to bounce back from adversity has been a defining trait under Guardiola, and this match is unlikely to alter that narrative.
For Liverpool, the win was a crucial boost as they aim to reestablish themselves as title contenders. After a shaky start to the season, Klopp’s men have shown signs of returning to form, with victories over strong opponents like Arsenal and now Manchester City. However, Doku’s perspective suggests that while Liverpool may have earned the win, the underlying balance of power in English football remains tilted in favor of the reigning champions.
As the Premier League season progresses, both teams will face numerous tests that will determine their ultimate fate. For Manchester City, maintaining consistency across multiple competitions remains paramount. Their pursuit of domestic and European glory demands relentless focus and adaptability, traits that have defined their success in recent campaigns. Meanwhile, Liverpool must continue building momentum, ensuring that their current resurgence translates into sustained excellence.
Beyond the immediate implications of Sunday’s result, Doku’s comments offer valuable insight into the mentality of Manchester City’s players. Even in defeat, the squad retains unwavering belief in their abilities and aspirations. Such confidence is critical as they navigate the challenging landscape of modern football, where margins are razor-thin and every match carries significant weight.
Looking ahead, Manchester City faces a packed schedule that includes key fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions. Each game presents an opportunity to reaffirm their position atop the hierarchy of world football. Similarly, Liverpool will seek to capitalize on their renewed vigor, aiming to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts.
Ultimately, the rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool exemplifies the best aspects of contemporary football—two elite teams pushing each other to new heights through fierce competition and mutual respect. Whether or not City can reclaim their supremacy in future encounters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: their journey toward greatness continues undeterred, fueled by resilience, ambition, and an unshakable belief in their own potential.
