Roy Keane tips Pep’s revival as City flatten Liverpool

Phil Foden’s form has roared back just in time for Thomas Tuchel’s England plans, but Roy Keane isn’t getting carried away with the gloss. After Manchester City’s 3-0 dismantling of Liverpool, the Irishman reckons it’s Pep Guardiola—yes, the gaffer—who looks reborn. The glint is back, the shoulders are loose, and City suddenly feel inevitable again.

A statement win, a familiar swagger

City didn’t just beat the champions; they outclassed them. Erling Haaland did what Erling Haaland does, Nico Gonzalez crashed in with the conviction of a man who’s been there for years, and Jeremy Doku terrorised his flank like a winger possessed. Foden? Slick, sharp, everywhere—yet the headline act, in Keane’s eyes, was the manager’s renewed edge on the touchline.

Keane’s verdict: Pep’s fire has returned

The former Manchester United captain suggested that six or seven weeks ago Guardiola might have been thinking rebuild and reset. Not anymore. He sees a coach invigorated by a squad that’s kicked on faster than expected: a shrewd goalkeeper addition bedding in, Haaland churning out goals for fun, and Foden right back to his best. Keane’s bottom line: Guardiola’s spark has returned—and City are firmly back in the title race.

Arsenal warned: City are circling

Arsenal hold a four-point cushion after 11 games, but this was a thunderclap reminder that the champions-in-waiting live in Manchester as often as not. City have eight Premier League titles in the bank—only Manchester United, with 13, have more—and there was nothing in this showing to suggest the habit has left them.

The numbers behind Pep’s machine

If Guardiola does haul City past Liverpool and Arsenal this season, Keane reckons it would rank among his finest feats. The record backs the aura: at Manchester City he’s taken charge of 550 matches with a 395-69-86 return and roughly 2.28 points per game; at Bayern Munich it was 161 matches at 2.41 points per game; and at Barcelona 247 matches at 2.36. Figures per Transfermarkt, correct as of 09/11/2025—and they read like a manager who knows exactly how to sustain a dynasty.

What’s next

City hit the international break with a spring in their step before a tricky trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United. Momentum matters in title races, and Guardiola’s lot look bang at it. If you fancy a flutter on where this all lands come May, you’ll find plenty of options across the best betting sites, but here’s the pundit’s angle: underestimate City at your peril.

Foden’s renaissance is timely for Tuchel’s England, Doku is a nightmare for full-backs, and Haaland remains the most reliable inevitability in the league. But the biggest development? The manager’s aura is back—and when Guardiola’s fizzing, the rest of the Premier League tends to feel it.