Keane: Pep Guardiola looks reborn following Liverpool thrashing
Manchester City’s emphatic 3-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday was another reminder that the champions are far from done in their pursuit of yet another Premier League title.
While all eyes were on Phil Foden’s revival and Erling Haaland’s relentless scoring, Roy Keane believes someone else at the club has rediscovered their edge, Pep Guardiola himself.
City dominance continues
City’s latest victory came courtesy of goals from Haaland, Nico González and Jeremy Doku, sealing a comfortable win over the reigning champions at the Etihad Stadium.
It was a performance that underscored why Pep Guardiola’s men remain serious contenders despite a competitive title race.
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Only Manchester United, with 13, have lifted more Premier League titles than City’s eight, and this latest result served as a sharp reminder that the reigning treble winners are not easing off anytime soon.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal may hold a four-point advantage after 11 matches, but Guardiola’s side appears to be gathering momentum once again.
Foden’s revival, Haaland’s hunger
Phil Foden, whose form had wavered earlier in the campaign, looked rejuvenated against Liverpool. His creativity and work rate reflected the confidence that once made him one of England’s most exciting young stars.
With Thomas Tuchel preparing his England squad for the 2026 World Cup, Foden’s resurgence could not have come at a better time.
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Haaland, meanwhile, continued his extraordinary scoring streak, and Doku once again tormented defenders with pace and precision on the wings.
Yet despite their standout performances, Keane chose not to single out any of the players when asked who, in his view, had their “spark back.”
Keane’s unexpected pick
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, the former Manchester United captain surprised viewers by naming Guardiola as the figure who had rediscovered his energy.
“I reckon if you had asked Pep six or seven weeks ago, I bet he would've felt it was more of a rebuilding job, to regroup and get back to competing,” Keane said.
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“But if you look at him now, he's got that spark back. You can see it in his eyes. He's probably thinking, ‘These players have surprised me a bit.’ They’ve gone under the radar, the goalkeeper’s been a great signing, Haaland’s a goal machine, and Foden’s back to his best.”
Back in the mix
Keane added that Guardiola’s renewed enthusiasm could make all the difference as the season progresses.
“Pep will be sitting there going, ‘We’re certainly back in the mix.’ Four, five, six weeks ago, I bet he thought, ‘Nah, it’s probably going to be too much this season.’ But they’re back,” the Irishman continued.
He went on to say that winning the 2025/26 league title ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal would rank among Guardiola’s finest achievements.
“There’s a long way to go yet, but if he got that league title, surprised everybody and finished ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal, it would have to be up there with one of the best achievements he’s got,” Keane concluded.
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With many of City’s stars set for international duty in November, Guardiola has time to regroup before the campaign resumes.
Their next Premier League challenge comes at St James’ Park against Newcastle United, a tough test for a team that suddenly looks every bit like its old self again.
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