"Manchester City delivered a deafening statement of intent to celebrate Pep Guardiola's landmark 1,000th match in management as Liverpool were dismissed out of hand at Etihad Stadium. City's 3-0 win carried an ominous warning for Premier League leaders Arsenal, whose advantage at the top was cut to four points, while it inflicted a grievous wound on Liverpool and their hopes of back-to-back titles."
"After years of almost unbroken success with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City, was Guardiola still eager enough to create another team of champions? This was the most emphatic answer from Guardiola and his players, a performance that was at once dazzling, dangerous and full of the power and tempo that suggests City are very much back in shape."
"If Guardiola had asked for a gift from City's players to commemorate their inspirational manager on his big day, this was the perfect present. Guardiola saw it that way, as he said: "I just want to say thank you to the players, backroom staff to give me that present. I'm proud to do it here in Manchester with my City.""
Manchester City produced a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool at the Etihad to mark Pep Guardiola's 1,000th match in management. The win reduced Arsenal's lead to four points and signalled City's renewed intensity and tactical sharpness after last season's disappointment. Guardiola faced scrutiny about rebuilding after four successive titles ended, and the performance offered a decisive answer about the team's ambition and form. The result dealt a heavy blow to Liverpool's title hopes and reminded Arsenal that the title race remains open with City closing the gap and regaining momentum.
Read at www.bbc.com
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