Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shed light on how a tactical instruction to Nico O’Reilly helped shut down Liverpool’s attacking threat, particularly the usually lethal Mohamed Salah, during their dominant 3-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Nico O’Reilly against Mo Salah was one of the talking points of the encounter. The match billed as another chapter in the fierce modern rivalry between City and Liverpool, ended with Guardiola’s side taking all three points in style.
Goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez, and Jeremy Doku ensured City kept pace with league leaders Arsenal, while also moving four points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League table.
It was a statement win — not only in the title race but also in tactical execution.
While Liverpool’s attacking power has often caused Guardiola’s men problems over the years, this time City found a way to neutralize their biggest weapon.
O’Reilly’s “aggressive” task against Salah
Before kick-off, Guardiola had perfectly set up Nico O’Reilly against Mo Salah encounter. He sent one clear message for his young left-back: be bold, be relentless, and never give Salah room to breathe.
The City boss revealed that he specifically instructed Nico O’Reilly to take an “aggressive” approach when facing the Egyptian forward, who has tormented defences across England for years.
“He has been a nightmare, Salah, for many years. He’s top,” Guardiola said after the match. “I said to Nico you have to be aggressive. He had help from central defender and midfielders every time Mo had the ball.”
The plan worked to perfection. Salah, who has built a reputation for turning tight matches in Liverpool’s favour, was largely anonymous.
His only real chance came late in the second half when he fired wide after breaking into the box. Otherwise, he was kept firmly under control.
Guardiola praised the collective defensive effort, crediting not only O’Reilly but also the teamwork that ensured Salah was never isolated one-on-one.
“Jeremy, Bernardo, Phil were all there,” the Spaniard explained. “It was incredible teamwork, but Nico made a step up because at the end you have to prove yourself against the best wingers.”
At just 20 years old, O’Reilly’s performance marked a significant milestone in his young career.
Previously known for his creativity as a midfielder, the England youth international has been reinvented under Guardiola’s guidance as a full-back with a strong defensive edge.
“He had many good attributes but this intensity in duels he didn’t have in the Academy because he was an eight or a 10 in midfield,” Guardiola continued. “I’m so pleased with the way he performed.”
The City manager also noted O’Reilly’s growing reputation at the international level, adding: “He’s with the national team because Thomas [Tuchel] is smart enough to see how he’s been playing.”
O’Reilly’s ability to combine positional discipline with composure under pressure stood out, particularly against a forward as quick and decisive as Salah.
It was a coming-of-age display — one that suggests Guardiola has uncovered another defensive gem in his ever-evolving squad.
City’s ruthless display extends winning run
Apart from the brilliant performance of Nico O’Reilly against Mo Salah, Manchester City’s over all display was as emphatic as the scoreline suggested. From the opening minutes, Guardiola’s men dictated the rhythm of the game, pressing Liverpool high and exploiting spaces with sharp, incisive passing.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring midway through the first half, reacting quickest inside the box to slot home after a defensive lapse.
Moments later, Nico Gonzalez doubled the lead with a composed finish, capping off a sweeping team move that left the visitors chasing shadows.
Liverpool briefly thought they had found a route back when Virgil van Dijk’s header nestled in the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
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That moment summed up their afternoon — flashes of promise, but no end product.
After the break, City continued to control proceedings, and Jeremy Doku’s brilliant curling strike sealed the win.
The Belgian winger, who tormented Liverpool’s backline with his pace and trickery, added the final flourish to a near-perfect performance.
Guardiola’s men have now recorded three consecutive wins — against AFC Bournemouth, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool — showcasing both attacking flair and defensive steel.
The victory also carried personal significance for Guardiola, marking his 1000th game as a manager.
