Jeremy Doku scored a sensational goal to help Manchester City see off Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium, with Gary Neville left so impressed he made a rare admission
Gary Neville has admitted he did something during Manchester City’s emphatic triumph over Liverpool that he rarely does. Goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku at the Etihad Stadium sealed crucial three points for Pep Guardiola in his 1000th match as a manager.
The outcome has propelled City into second spot in the Premier League table, sitting four points behind leaders Arsenal, whilst Liverpool languish in eighth. Nevertheless, the final scoreline could have appeared vastly different had Virgil van Dijk’s header not been chalked off for offside.
Neville voiced his view forcefully on the incident, with former Premier League official Mike Dean offering a contrasting perspective. “I think he is outside the eyeline of the goalkeeper,” said Neville on Sky Sports.
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“The goalkeeper is not getting anywhere near that. He had a clear line of sight.”
Dean replied: “I kind of agree with you there guys. The only thing I would say is that because he’s in the six-yard area of the penalty area, with him being in front of the keeper as he heads the ball. It’s been given offside on the field, it’s an offside decision.”
City made the most of that disputed decision before the interval when Gonzalez struck from distance as his effort deflected in off Van Dijk. Haaland had already put City ahead earlier in the first half despite wasting an early penalty.
Doku’s stunning long-range curler, after cutting in from the left wing, sealed a spectacular win for the home side. Neville was particularly taken aback by his goal, leading him to break one of his own commentary rules.
When watching it back, Neville exclaimed: “It is dazzling from Doku! I’ve never given the man-of-the-match award out after 62 minutes, but l think l will today. He has been sensational.”
As the match neared its conclusion, Neville offered a decisive verdict on the title race, with City having racked up seven wins from their last eight Premier League matches while Liverpool have already suffered five league losses.
“It was about which of these two clubs were going to emerge as Arsenal’s nearest challengers and could they send a message to the Gunners,” he stated.
“Pep Guardiola, in his 1000th game as a manager, his team and his staff, have done that. It’s a really good day for Guardiola and Man City, but it’s a difficult day for Arne Slot and Liverpool.”
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