Jeremy Doku believes he is only scratching the surface of his potential after inspiring Manchester City to a commanding 3–0 win over Liverpool on Sunday.
Doku’s performance against Liverpool was impressive as Pep Guardiola’s side produced a statement display at the Etihad, reaffirming their status as serious title contenders.
Doku, who marked his 100th appearance for the club with a dazzling display, capped the afternoon with a superb curling strike that sealed victory over the reigning champions.
Having endured mixed fortunes in his first two seasons in Manchester, the 23-year-old says he now feels a renewed sense of confidence — something he attributes to his faith.
“I feel like I just have confidence,” said Doku. “What changed for me this season is I have got God in my life. I have his presence with me.
“I want to play without any fear or doubt or anything. I’m 23 years old. I hope this is not my peak level. I hope I can still improve, improve my finishing, improve my movements in the box, improve my decision-making, improve on my awareness when I have the ball – a lot.
“This is an unfinished product and I hope with these team-mates, and a very good coach like Pep, I can still improve.”
The afternoon carried extra significance for Pep Guardiola, who was taking charge of his 1,000th game as a manager.
His players responded in fitting style, producing a performance that underlined their determination to keep the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
City’s win reduced the Gunners’ lead to four points, and though Erling Haaland saw an early penalty saved, the Norwegian quickly made amends by heading in his 99th Premier League goal midway through the first half.
Nico Gonzalez then doubled City’s advantage with a deflected effort before Doku’s brilliant solo goal sealed a victory that showcased City’s attacking fluency and defensive control.
Liverpool did think they had equalised through Virgil van Dijk before the break, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Andrew Robertson in the build-up — a decision that left Arne Slot’s side frustrated.
The visitors struggled to recover from that moment and rarely threatened again as City took full command.
Doku’s performance against Liverpool, particularly his composure in front of goal epitomised a City side operating close to their best.
His link-up play with Haaland and Gonzalez constantly unsettled Liverpool’s back line, while his defensive work reflected Guardiola’s emphasis on collective responsibility.
Despite the significance of the result, Doku insists City’s focus remains internal rather than on their title rivals.
“We have been building and we know that we can still improve,” he said.
“We’re not really looking at Arsenal though, what the other teams are doing, because at the end of the day, we know that it depends only on us.
“And we know that if we are playing well, it’s difficult to stand next to us.”
- Guardiola explains why Rayan Cherki was removed earlier in Liverpool clash
- Guardiola sends unexpected message to Liverpool star humiliated by Jeremy Doku
Doku’s words reflect a growing maturity in a player who is beginning to combine his natural flair with consistency and confidence.
His evolution has been a major positive for Guardiola, who has challenged the winger to add more end product to his dynamic play.
With his pace, dribbling, and improved decision-making, Doku is fast becoming one of the Premier League’s most unpredictable attacking threats.
And if Sunday’s performance is anything to go by, his belief that he is “an unfinished product” may be the very thing that propels him — and City — towards another title charge.
For now, Doku’s focus remains simple: to keep improving and to make sure displays like the one against Liverpool become the standard, not the exception.
