Ruben Dias insists this is not a "new" version of Manchester City, saying their resurgence has been in the making for some time.

City crushed Liverpool 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to close Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League from seven points to four.

Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku were on target in a highly impressive display, which came on the occasion of Pep Guardiola's 1,000th game in management. 

City endured a dismal 2024-25 campaign, finishing third in the Premier League with their fewest points (71), wins (21) and goals (72) in a season under Guardiola. 

But Dias says their upturn has not come out of nowhere, telling Sky Sports: "This is not new. This has been going on for a while now. 

"We've been talking about a rebuild since last season. Of course, there are new faces, but the quality stays the same. 

"We need everyone to together. I remember before I came to this club, these were the details that made us win so much. It's still early as the season, so we need to keep on pushing."

Despite Dias' claims, City have seen their style of play evolve this season.

They have had less than a 50% possession share in four of their 11 Premier League games this season – only in 2020-21 have they done so more often in a campaign under Guardiola (five games). They had 49.2% in Sunday's win against Liverpool.

Guardiola has now won 716 of his 1,000 games as a head coach, with Barcelona B, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City – 388 of those victories have come with his current club.

"I'm very happy for Pep," said Dias. "We live for games like this. There's not any higher level of game than this one."

Doku was City's standout performer, bending a wonderful finish into the top-right corner to put the result beyond all doubt in the 63rd minute.

The Belgian led all players on the pitch for touches in the opposing penalty area (11), also getting all three of his shots on target and creating a team-high three chances.

"These games are always more beautiful to play in," Doku said. "I'm very happy. It's good for my confidence. I've got great players around me, like Ruben. He pushes me every day."