From Reject to Legend

Premier League, Matchday 27 

Machester City vs Liverpool

Venue: Etihad Stadium

The Etihad was alive long before kickoff. The winter sun cast a pale glow over the Eastlands, but inside the stadium, it was fever-pitch electric. Blue and white flags flapped rhythmically in every stand, banners reading 'Manchester Remains Blue' draped from the tiers, and chants for Adriano, Kane, and Hazard echoed around the concrete walls.

City's dominance in the league had drawn admiration, but also expectation. They sat eight points clear at the summit of the Premier League. And today wasn't just a match—it was an opportunity to send a message. To the rest of England. To Barcelona. To anyone still doubting: Manchester City were for real.

As the teams lined up in the tunnel, the tension was tangible. Adriano rolled his shoulders, exhaling slowly as he adjusted the black-and-gold AR10 armband. Hazard, standing beside him, gave him a quick tap on the chest and grinned, "Back to business, yeah?"

Adriano smirked. "Let's give them something to write about."

Behind them, Kane cracked his knuckles and leaned forward, whispering to Kimmich, "Keep Sterling in your pocket today, mate."

The camera panned down the tunnel. Steven Gerrard stood at the front of the Liverpool line, expression steely, leading his side out for what might be his final outing at the Etihad as a Red. The away fans in the top tier chanted his name. City supporters, in full voice, drowned it with a wall of noise.

As the players emerged, Martin Tyler's voice cut through the atmosphere on the Sky Sports feed:

"Etihad Stadium. A stage not just for football, but for statements. Manchester City sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League. A win today, against an old rival in Liverpool, might just turn the title race from a question of 'if' to *'when.' But don't expect the visitors to play along quietly."

Alan Smith added with a nod, "Yeah, this is one of those fixtures that feels bigger than it is on paper. Liverpool might not be in the race anymore, but they've still got pride—and players who can hurt you. Sterling, Sturridge, Coutinho… they'll back themselves to find space."

As kickoff approached, the lineups appeared on screen.

Manchester City (4-3-3):

GK: Joe Hart

DEF: Kimmich, Hummels, Mangala, Robertson

MID: Silva, De Bruyne

ATT: Salah, Adriano, Hazard

ST: Harry Kane

Liverpool (4-3-3):

GK: Simon Mignolet

DEF: Glen Johnson, Martin Škrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Alberto Moreno

MID: Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana

ATT: Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho

Martin Tyler leaned into his analysis, "City are at full strength. Adriano is back in the eleven after missing out last week. His link-up with Hazard and Salah has been electric this season. And don't forget about Harry Kane—he's quietly hit double figures."

Alan nodded. "What stands out with City isn't just the talent—it's the understanding. Kimmich and Robertson push high, which allows Silva and De Bruyne to operate in the half-spaces. And Adriano just pulls strings all over that final third."

On the touchline, Pellegrini stood with hands in his coat pockets, nodding calmly as he conferred with his assistants. Across the divide, Brendan Rodgers barked instructions, gesturing to his back line to stay compact and watch for runners between the lines.

The stadium announcer's voice rang out over the roar:

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Manchester City and Liverpool!"

The teams met at the centre circle. Gerrard shook hands with Adriano. The two exchanged brief nods—no words, just mutual respect.

The crowd began clapping rhythmically as the referee readied his whistle. Blue smoke began to drift from the South Stand. This wasn't just a game. This was theatre. This was a statement waiting to be made.

Alan Smith added one last thought before kickoff:

"If City win today, it's hard to see anyone catching them. But Liverpool know that, too. And sometimes, that makes a wounded animal even more dangerous."

Tyler responded, as the whistle blew:

"Let's find out who writes the next line in this title race. It's Manchester City versus Liverpool… and we are underway at the Etihad."

****

The whistle pierced through the charged atmosphere at the Etihad, and immediately, Manchester City began to assert their authority. The ball zipped across the turf with crisp precision as Silva and De Bruyne took command in midfield, dictating the rhythm like twin conductors. Liverpool dropped into a compact shape, their midfield trio of Gerrard, Henderson, and Lallana trying to plug the gaps, but already, there were problems.

Adriano drifted ominously between the lines, ghosting into the half-spaces behind Gerrard. Every time the Brazilian received the ball, murmurs of anticipation rippled through the crowd. Hazard and Salah hugged the touchlines, forcing Johnson and Moreno to backpedal repeatedly. In the opening minutes, City's fluid 4-3-3 was already morphing into a 2-3-5 in attack, with Kimmich and Robertson joining the midfield press.

By the 6th minute, City had carved open their first real chance. De Bruyne spotted Salah's diagonal run and floated a beautiful reverse ball behind Moreno. Salah brought it down on the edge of the box, cut inside with that familiar drop of the shoulder—and fired low to the near post.

Martin Tyler:

"Here's Salah—quick feet—drives it! Saved by Mignolet! Sharp stop at the near post!"

Alan Smith:

"Lovely control, that. But Mignolet did well to stay alert. Salah looked to catch him out early."

City kept the pressure on. A corner on the 10-minute mark saw De Bruyne whip a venomous in-swinger towards the six-yard box. Hummels rose highest, outmuscling Sakho, but his glancing header was clawed away by Mignolet again.

On the pitch, Kane clapped his hands and barked, "Keep going! It's coming!"

Liverpool tried to respond, but the transitions were smothered quickly. Henderson's attempted switch was intercepted by Robertson, who fed it straight back to Silva. Coutinho managed to spark one counter in the 14th minute, threading a clever ball for Sterling to chase—but Kimmich, ever composed, stepped across and drew a foul as Sterling clipped his heels.

Martin Tyler:

"Kimmich, that's clever defending. Not just reading the pass—but drawing the foul under pressure."

In the 17th, City carved Liverpool open again. De Bruyne surged through midfield and slid it into Adriano on the edge of the box. He let the ball run across his body, forcing Škrtel to bite, before poking it into Salah's path. Salah tried to side-foot past Mignolet at the near post, but the Belgian keeper got a boot to it, sending it skidding wide.

"So close!" Adriano shouted, clapping his hands as Salah jogged back. "Next one, you bury it."

Salah:

"Perfect weight, man. I'll get it right."

City were swarming now. By the 20th minute, possession was 71% in their favor. The Etihad crowd sang in unison, their voices swelling with each City attack.

Then, the breakthrough came.

24th minute. Adriano found himself wide right, closely marked by Moreno. The Brazilian spun quickly, rolled his shoulder, and used his strength to fend off the full-back. Taking a single touch to set himself, he whipped a devilish waist-high cross toward the penalty spot, where Hazard was already on the move.

Martin Tyler (with rising urgency):

"Adriano… teasing delivery—Hazard arriving—OH WHAT A FINISH!"

GOAL ANNOUNCER:

"GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! EDEN HAZARD WITH A SCREAMER!"

Hazard didn't hesitate. He sliced diagonally across the box from the left, lost Johnson for a split second, and met the ball flush with the outside of his boot. The ball lashed into the top corner at blistering pace—Mignolet barely flinched before it crashed into the net.

Hazard slid on one knee toward the corner flag, arms spread wide. De Bruyne and Salah chased him down, laughing and ruffling his hair.

Hazard (grinning, to Adriano):

"Serve them up like that all day, and I'll keep finishing."

Adriano (smirking):

"Just don't waste 'em."

On the sideline, Pellegrini offered a satisfied nod to his staff. No shouting. No drama. Just confirmation that the plan was working.

Alan Smith (after the replay):

"That's all about timing. Hazard didn't just wait for it—he attacked the space. And the delivery from Adriano? Pinpoint. He's got that sixth sense for where to put it."

City's tempo didn't drop. In the 28th minute, De Bruyne played a clever give-and-go with Silva, broke into the box, and attempted a delicate chip over Mignolet, but the Belgian keeper stood tall and tipped it over.

A foul by Sakho in the 30th—hauling down Kane as he tried to spin—gave City a free kick 25 yards out. De Bruyne took it, aiming for the top corner, but it curled just over the bar, grazing the netting on its way down.

Martin Tyler:

"Just over. And you could hear the crowd gasp. De Bruyne struck that beautifully."

Liverpool struggled to find rhythm. Gerrard tried to calm his teammates, urging them to slow it down. But even he was being pulled left and right by Adriano's movement.

In the 34th minute, a moment of panic nearly cost them again—Gerrard's back-pass was underhit, and Kane pounced. Mignolet raced off his line, just doing enough to block Kane's toe-poke before Sakho cleared.

Alan Smith:

"They're rattled. No doubt about it. Gerrard looks like he's playing against ghosts right now—Adriano keeps slipping into those spaces and dragging people all over."

As the half neared its close, Liverpool had their best moment. In the 37th minute, Sturridge broke free from Mangala and received a slick ball from Coutinho. His first-time effort was clean, low, and angled toward the far post.

Martin Tyler:

"Sturridge! Ohhh and Hart gets down brilliantly!"

City's keeper stretched full length and pushed it wide. It was a warning—not everything was going to be easy.

Liverpool were rattled. They tried to respond. Sterling and Coutinho found some space on the wings, but Hummels and Kimmich read their moves well. Hart collected a weak header from Sturridge in the 39th minute.

Then came the next blow.

41st Minute , It started with a corner for Liverpool. City cleared it, and De Bruyne took off. He skipped past Lallana and played Kane into space. Sakho stepped up late, keeping Kane onside.

Kane took two touches and fired low to the far post, beating Mignolet's outstretched arm.

GOAL ANNOUNCER:"KANE MAKES IT TWO! CITY ARE ROLLING NOW!"

The crowd stood up, chanting his name. Adriano jogged over and gave Kane a shove on the shoulder with a grin. "About time," he muttered, teasingly.

Liverpool looked flat. Even Gerrard struggled to control midfield. Lallana was pulled off during the halftime break, replaced by Emre Can. Sakho, limping slightly, was replaced by Kolo Touré.

But it really didn't changed much

Liverpool were reeling, visibly shaken by the intensity of City's press and the relentless movement of their front line. Brendan Rodgers barked instructions from the touchline, trying to re-energize his side. On the pitch, Sterling and Coutinho tried to carve something out of the flanks, both tucking in to combine and looking to isolate City's full-backs. But Kimmich, alert and efficient, intercepted Sterling twice in quick succession, while Hummels positioned himself perfectly to cut off Coutinho's attempted through ball to Sturridge.

In the 39th minute, Liverpool managed a half-chance. A quick triangle of passes between Henderson, Coutinho, and Johnson opened just enough space on the right. Johnson clipped in a high cross, and Sturridge, rising between Mangala and Robertson, managed to get his head to it—but the effort lacked conviction.

Martin Tyler:

"Sturridge… gets up—soft header, and Hart collects. That's too easy."

Alan Smith:

"He had time to pick his spot. Bit tame, that. You have to trouble Hart from there."

As Hart gathered the ball and immediately rolled it out to De Bruyne, City's mindset was clear: counter.

41st minute. What followed was pure, ruthless transition football.

De Bruyne received the pass just inside his own half, turned smoothly past a sluggish Lallana and accelerated into open space. Kane, sensing the moment, peeled off the back shoulder of Škrtel and made his run between the lines.

Martin Tyler (voice rising):

"De Bruyne… skipping past one… he's got Kane on the shoulder of Sakho—plays him in!"

Sakho, perhaps shaken by an earlier knock, stepped up too late. The flag stayed down. Kane was onside by inches.

The pass was perfect—weighted into Kane's stride. The England striker took one touch to settle, another to open up his body—and then calmly swept it across goal with his right foot. The ball kissed the inside of the post and rolled into the corner past Mignolet's desperate dive.

GOAL ANNOUNCER:

"HARRY KANE! MAKES IT TWO! CITY ARE ROLLING NOW!"

Martin Tyler:

"That is a textbook counterattack! From box to box in seconds. De Bruyne to Kane… precision, power, composure."

Alan Smith:

"And just look at the awareness from Kane. The finish is one thing—but his run? Perfectly timed. Sakho's out of sync, and City are two up."

The Etihad erupted in full voice, a wall of noise as Kane wheeled away, pumping his fists, before slowing to a jog as Adriano caught up with him and gave him a playful shove.

Adriano (grinning):

"About time, mate. Thought you were on holiday today."

Kane (laughing, winded):

"Had to let you have the spotlight for once."

Robertson and Silva arrived seconds later, wrapping arms around the forward in a brief celebratory huddle, before De Bruyne joined with a grin and a high five.

From the technical area, Pellegrini remained composed, arms crossed, but he whispered to his assistant with a small nod. He knew what this meant—control.

Liverpool were stunned. Even Gerrard—usually the heart of their engine—looked laboured, turning in tight circles trying to chase De Bruyne and Silva. His frustration boiled over when he lunged in on Silva near the halfway line in the 44th minute, earning a stern warning from referee Michael Oliver.

Martin Tyler:

"Frustration creeping in. That was late from Gerrard. Michael Oliver gives him a long look—but just a talking to for now."

Alan Smith:

"You can see it. He knows they're getting pulled apart. Silva's just drifting past him."

As halftime approached, Rodgers made early moves. Lallana, ineffective and turned inside out repeatedly, was told to sit. Emre Can warmed up hurriedly. Sakho, still limping from an earlier challenge with Kane, shook his head when Rodgers gestured to him. A signal went up—he couldn't continue.

At the break, the changes were made. Can came on for Lallana. Kolo Touré replaced Sakho. But even in those frantic adjustments, there was resignation on Liverpool's bench.

Alan Smith (as the teams walked off):

"They're not just being outplayed—they're being out-thought. This isn't chaotic attacking football from City. It's measured, it's surgical, and it's draining Liverpool every time they lose the ball."

Martin Tyler:

"Two goals, both beautifully crafted. And let's not forget—this could easily be three or four. Pellegrini's side have set the tone. Liverpool need something dramatic in the second half, or this one might get away from them entirely."

As the players disappeared down the tunnel, City's fans sang Kane's name loud and proud. Adriano clapped toward the South Stand as he walked off, then turned and fist-bumped Kimmich and Hummels.

Adriano (quietly, as they walked together):

"Let's kill it off early in the second. No drama."

Hummels nodded.

"Let's not even give them hope."

***

The second half resumed under a bright, chilled Manchester sky, with the Etihad still pulsing from the dominant first half. Manchester City led 2–0, and if there was any sense that Liverpool might rally, it quickly began to fade. City didn't slow down—in fact, they looked sharper. Robertson and Kimmich pushed high again, turning Liverpool's wingers into temporary full-backs.

Just three minutes after the restart, in the 48th, Kevin De Bruyne nearly carved out a third. He slipped between Gerrard and Henderson with a trademark surge, then fed Salah, who curled an effort from the edge of the box. The ball was heading for the far top corner.

Martin Tyler called it sharply:

"Salah… opens his body… curls it—"

Alan Smith interrupted:

"That's bending in—Mignolet's at full stretch!"

"Tipped wide! Brilliant from the keeper!" Tyler exclaimed.

City's pressure mounted. Gerrard tried to rally his side with a few raking passes, but City's midfield triangle was too slick. Adriano, dropping deep, took control.

In the 59th minute, a poor clearance from Kolo Touré bounced toward Silva near the halfway line. He immediately nudged a smart first-time pass into Adriano's stride. The Brazilian turned sharply, leaving Škrtel flat-footed. Silva followed, sprinting alongside. One quick one-two—fluid and instinctive—cut Liverpool apart.

Adriano suddenly found himself in daylight, racing in between Škrtel and Touré. Mignolet rushed off his line, but Adriano didn't blink. Just as the keeper lunged, Adriano slowed ever so slightly and dinked the ball with his right foot.

Time seemed to pause.

The ball lifted gently, sailing over Mignolet's outstretched hand. It dropped just under the bar and nestled into the far corner of the net.

GOAL ANNOUNCER:

"ADRIANO! COOL AS YOU LIKE! 3–0 TO CITY!"

The Etihad erupted. The home fans roared like thunder.

Adriano didn't sprint away. He jogged slowly, his face calm, walked toward the North Stand, and lifted both arms. The stadium responded with a deafening chant:

"THE KING IS HERE! THE KING IS HERE!"

Hazard ran over, wrapping an arm around him. "That was disgusting," he laughed, shaking his head.

Kane jogged past and gave Adriano a playful slap on the back. "You chipped him like it was Sunday five-a-side," he grinned.

Adriano only shrugged: "Keeper blinked first."

Back in the center circle, Steven Gerrard stood with his hands on his hips, staring at the turf. He knew it was over. Brendan Rodgers signaled for changes—Markovic and Lucas were warming up—but even the visiting bench looked subdued.

In the 67th minute, Salah intercepted a sloppy backpass from Sakho and tried to square for Kane, but Kolo Touré lunged across brilliantly to block. From the resulting corner, De Bruyne whipped it toward the near post—Hazard darted in but flicked it just wide.

Alan Smith:

"Liverpool are unraveling. This could get ugly."

Tensions flared briefly in the 71st when Emre Can, recently subbed on, clattered into Silva with a late sliding tackle. The Spaniard rolled over holding his ankle as the Etihad crowd howled.

Martin Tyler:

"That's rash. And the referee is reaching for his pocket…"

A yellow card was shown. Silva stood up slowly, rubbing his shin, while De Bruyne walked over and muttered, "Don't let him get in your head." Silva nodded and patted his shoulder.

In the 74th minute, Liverpool had their first real chance of the half. Sterling broke down the right after a clever ball from Lucas, got past Mangala, and squared it low toward Sturridge. But Kimmich slid in at the last second and cleared it behind.

Tyler:

"Vital intervention! Kimmich, reading the danger like a veteran."

Liverpool looked hollow. The spark was gone. Adriano's chip had not only crushed their resistance—it had sucked the belief right out of them. Pellegrini sensed it from the touchline, his arms folded, eyes scanning the pitch. With fifteen minutes to go, and the game sewn up at 3–0, he made his move.

At the 75th minute, three changes were signaled. The fourth official raised the board: 10, 21, 4.

Adriano came off to a thunderous standing ovation, tapping his chest and waving to all four stands. Milner jogged on in his place, slotting in as a right-sided midfielder, with Salah moving centrally. Silva, who had pulled the strings all evening, gave a tired thumbs-up to Pellegrini before being replaced by Casemiro, who took a more holding role as De Bruyne pushed forward. Finally, Hummels, who had barely put a foot wrong, exited for Dedryck Boyata.

As Adriano reached the bench, Hazard slapped his hand and grinned, "You're not human, you know that?"

Adriano smirked, grabbed a jacket, and nodded. "Rest up for Barca," Pellegrini said quietly beside him.

Back on the pitch, Liverpool tried to regain some semblance of rhythm. Emre Can and Gerrard exchanged a couple of neat passes in midfield, but it was slow, predictable. City's shape remained tight—Casemiro barked instructions constantly, directing Boyata and Mangala into sharper lines. Robertson and Kimmich still pressed high, refusing to give Sterling or Coutinho room to breathe.

City weren't done. In the 79th, De Bruyne chipped a teasing ball over the top for Kane, who controlled and rifled it into the net—but the flag was up. Offside.

Alan Smith:

"Tight call there, but Kane did just drift half a yard early."

Still, City weren't fazed. Pellegrini gestured calmly from the touchline, nodding at the tempo.

The final ten minutes saw Liverpool retreat into damage limitation. City, to their credit, didn't chase a fourth with desperation. They circulated the ball, conserved energy, but remained sharp.

In the 81st minute, Sterling managed to slip past Robertson with a clever touch and played in a low ball to the edge of the six-yard box. Sturridge got across Mangala and got a toe to it—but Joe Hart was alert and dropped low to collect.

Martin Tyler:

"Just a reminder that Joe Hart's been focused, even with little to do. Always ready."

Alan Smith:

"Sturridge needed more power on that, but he's feeding on scraps here."

City slowed the game down. Milner recycled possession smartly on the right, constantly checking over his shoulder. Casemiro was everywhere—screening, intercepting, nudging passes between lines. Liverpool chased shadows.

Then came the fourth. The exclamation point.

In the 89th minute, Jordan Henderson received a pass near halfway and looked to ping it wide—only for Casemiro to step in, reading it early. He intercepted cleanly and surged forward, driving straight through Liverpool's exposed midfield. The Etihad crowd stood in anticipation.

Casemiro glanced to his right, saw Milner ghosting into space near the edge of the box, and slid the ball into his stride. Milner let it run across his body, took one touch, then without hesitation, curled it low with his instep—an arrowing shot that fizzed across the turf.

Mignolet didn't move. The ball kissed the inside of the far post and rippled the net.

GOAL ANNOUNCER:

"MILNER MAKES IT FOUR! CITY HAVE BURIED LIVERPOOL!"

The stadium erupted. It wasn't a wild roar like after Adriano's chip—it was the triumphant sound of finality.

Milner didn't over-celebrate. He jogged straight toward the bench, nodding calmly, then high-fived Pellegrini and the coaching staff. "Had to show the old club I still had that in me," he said with a wry smile.

Pellegrini chuckled. "You showed them more than that."

On the pitch, Kane jogged up and ruffled Milner's hair. "Oi, are you trying to steal the headlines now?"

Milner grinned. "Just cleaning up, mate."

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, the Liverpool players looked ready for the whistle. Gerrard had his hands on his hips. Sakho's replacement, Kolo Touré, shouted once or twice but received no answer. Sterling glanced at the bench, exhausted.

City passed the ball around with confidence and calmness. Casemiro received it in midfield, rolled it back to Boyata, and the crowd responded with appreciative clapping.

Martin Tyler:

"It's the hallmark of champions, this. Control, hunger, and ruthlessness in equal measure."

Alan Smith:

"And strength in depth too. Take off Silva and Adriano, and still add Casemiro and Milner? That's a luxury."

The final whistle went moments later, and the Etihad rose again. Not with relief, but with celebration. A comprehensive 4–0 dismantling of Liverpool—another giant stride toward the title.

As players shook hands, swapped shirts, and embraced, Adriano walked slowly onto the pitch, arm in arm with De Bruyne. They stopped near the center circle as fans chanted:

"OLE! OLE! OLE! CITY! CITY!"

There was no question anymore. This wasn't just a good side. This was a team announcing itself to Europe—with steel, structure, and flair. And tonight, Liverpool were just the latest to be swept aside.

***

As the final whistle rang out across the Etihad, it was as if a title had been lifted. The scoreboard gleamed: Manchester City 4 – 0 Liverpool. Fans rose in unison, blue flags fluttering like waves across the stands, voices roaring with the kind of joy that doesn't come from just another win—but from something bigger. It felt like a turning point. It felt like a coronation in everything but name.

But before the players could even fully begin their celebrations, the stadium PA crackled to life.

"Final score from Old Trafford: Manchester United 2, Chelsea 1."

For half a second, silence—then thunder. Absolute bedlam.

The stands shook with cheers. Supporters leapt to their feet, strangers hugging each other, fists pumping toward the sky. An 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. 11 matches to go. The chants broke out instantly:

"CHAMPIONS! CHAMPIONS! CHAMPIONS!"

On the pitch, players embraced like brothers. Kane wrapped an arm around Hazard and shouted over the noise, "You hear that?! United finally did something right!"

Hazard laughed, slapping his chest. "Best thing they've done all year!"

Adriano, now in his black training jacket with the gold AR10 logo over his heart, clapped slowly toward the South Stand, soaking in the moment.

He turned and looked up—past the dugout, beyond the LED boards, to the executive box. Kate stood there, flanked by Raul . Her smile lit up her whole face. When she blew a kiss toward him, he caught it with a gloved hand and winked, cool as ever.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Hazard grabbed De Bruyne's shoulders. "Eleven points, Kev! Eleven!"

De Bruyne shook his head, wide-eyed. "It's ours to lose now."

Up in the commentary booth, Martin Tyler exhaled as he looked out over the glowing Etihad.

"This might not be the title-clincher," he said, voice rich with drama, "but it sure feels like a giant step toward the crown. City four, Liverpool nil. And the blue moon is rising once again."

Alan Smith: "It's not just the scoreline—it's the control, the confidence. This side isn't just playing well—they're playing like champions."

Inside the dressing room, the mood was electric. Music blared—upbeat and pounding. The bass bounced off the tiled walls, mixing with laughter, boots being kicked off, claps on backs, and the occasional spray of champagne from the back where Yaya Touré had smuggled a bottle.

"Hey, next time save some for May," Milner called out, shaking droplets off his shirt.

Adriano leaned back in his locker, towel around his shoulders, and shared a grin with Kane, who was unlacing his boots.

"Four-nil," Kane said, almost in disbelief. "We're rolling."

"You said it on the pitch," Adriano replied, nodding toward him. "One step at a time."

That was the moment Pellegrini entered. The music dipped with a nod from the sound guy—Joe Hart.

The room quieted. Players turned, still grinning, still buzzing.

Pellegrini didn't raise his voice. He didn't need to.

"One step closer," he said simply. "But we've got Barcelona next. That's where we prove ourselves. Not just in England. But in Europe."

For a second, the weight of the next challenge fell into the room. Serious faces. Straight backs.

Then Kane stood and added, "One step at a time, boss."

Adriano nodded, his voice steady. "We handle Barca—we prove we belong among the best."

No more words were needed. Just nods. Just belief.

Because tonight, they hadn't just beaten Liverpool.

They had announced themselves—to the league, to the continent, and to history.

****

POST-MATCH: PRESS ROOM, ETIHAD

The media room beneath the Etihad buzzed with quiet urgency as cameras clicked into place and journalists flipped through stat sheets. Pellegrini stepped up to the podium, his grey jacket unzipped, a thin smile still lingering on his face. The blue City badge over his chest looked sharper than ever.

Sky Sports' reporter opened first.

"Manuel, congratulations. Four-nil against Liverpool, now eleven points clear with eleven games to go—do you feel the title is yours now?"

Pellegrini took a calm breath. "No. Not yet. We are closer, yes. But football punishes those who relax too early. We focus on the next match. One at a time."

The Guardian followed up.

"Was tonight the most complete performance of your season?"

He nodded slightly. "Tactically, we were very good. Controlled the midfield. The transitions were sharp. And we defended as a unit. Everyone did their job."

A Spanish journalist raised a hand.

"Adriano with a goal and assist—how would you describe his impact now that he's delivered once again?"

"Different class," Pellegrini said plainly. "He gives us another level in the final third. His understanding with Silva, De Bruyne, Kane… it creates problems for any defense. But it's not just his quality—it's his mentality. He drives the team."

He took a few more questions about Kane's goal, Casemiro's late cameo, and Milner's strike before closing the session. "Thank you," he said softly, then stepped down as flashbulbs clicked again.

MEANWHILE ONLINE…

The internet exploded.

On Twitter, the hashtag #City11Clear was trending worldwide within thirty minutes of full-time.

@ManCity

"FULL TIME: CITY 4-0 LIVERPOOL! A flawless performance. A statement. 🔵👑 #MCILIV #BlueMoonRising #City11Clear"

@GaryLineker

"Man City were ruthless today. Adriano looked like he was playing with gravity off. And now 11 points clear with 11 to go. Title surely heading to the Etihad."

@FootballDaily

"This Man City side might not be flashy every minute—but the control, the composure… it's champion material. That midfield trio? Untouchable tonight. #City11Clear"

@LFCfanpageYNWA

"Gerrard's last game at the Etihad and we looked like passengers. Hats off to City though. That Adriano chip? Cold-blooded."

Instagram flooded with locker room selfies—Hazard and Kane pointing at the scoreboard, Casemiro grinning with the caption "Premier League nights 🔵".

Adriano posting a photo of him looking up into the Premier League Trophy with just the caption:

"One step closer."

Underneath, fans swarmed the comments:

@elizabeth_citizen: "Adriano = KING. That chip made me scream in my living room!! #AR10"

@MCFC_4life: "11 POINTS! WHO'S CATCHING US? NOT CHELSEA 😂😂 #CTID"

@neutralfan12: "They just made Liverpool look like a bottom-half team. This title race is DONE."

@barcelona_eye: "So this is the City we'll be facing next… okay then 😳 #UCL"

On City fan forums, the conversation shifted from excitement to a cautious optimism:

"Look lads, we've still got a couple big ones—United away, then Spurs away. But we've just crushed Liverpool. That's not a normal win. That's a declaration of our capabilities. If things go well, we will be Champions."

"Adriano's chip was Bergkamp-esque. Kane's finish was ice cold. And Hazard is playing like a man possessed. This team is PEAKING."

Back outside the Etihad, fans spilled out into the streets chanting "Blue Moon Galacticos", cars honking in rhythm, children on shoulders waving scarves.

A group of young fans huddled together recording a video and chanting:

"Eleven clear! Eleven games! This is OUR year!"

In the distance, the lit-up stadium stood tall under the night sky, the badge glowing like a beacon.

Inside, in the players' lounge, Kate joined Adriano. She said nothing—just gave him a look that said she knew. He kissed her cheek and whispered, "Barcelona next. I'll score a hat-trick for you babe."

She chuckled, " I'll be sure to reward you generously then, dear."

And though the match was over, the mood inside the club—online and across Manchester—was clear:

City weren't celebrating yet.

They were preparing to finish the job.

****

Current Stats of Adriano:

Premier League

Matches: 20

Goals: 27

Assists: 19

Current top scorer of the Premier League, and top on the assists list.

*

Champions League

Matches: 8

Goals: 18

Assists: 5

Current top scorer, 2nd in Assists

*

FA Cup

Matches: 1

Goals: 2

Assists: 2