Manchester City secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki helping the Premier League leaders maintain their perfect start to the season.
Liverpool were reduced to 10 men after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the 62nd minute. City capitalised on the numerical advantage to take control of the match and secure all three points.
The victory also came amid heightened attention surrounding City’s financial rules case, with the club facing continued uncertainty following an independent commission’s verdict.
Ryan Gravenberch Red Card Changes the Game
Liverpool started strongly and put City under pressure in front of a hostile Anfield crowd. However, the visitors remained composed and gradually settled into the match.
The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Gravenberch received a second yellow card for a foul on Doku, leaving Liverpool with 10 players.
City quickly took advantage of the extra space, scoring three goals in the space of 13 minutes to secure a convincing win.
Erling Haaland Opens the Scoring
Haaland broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a powerful left-footed finish past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.
The goal followed a move involving Doku, whose attempt was deflected into the path of the Norwegian striker.
Haaland then celebrated with the travelling Manchester City supporters, including Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher.
Speaking after the match, Haaland described the victory as a memorable moment and emphasised the importance of staying united amid the challenges facing the club.
City doubled their advantage in the 68th minute when Doku produced an excellent long-range strike that curled into the far top corner.
The goal further strengthened City’s control of the contest and left Liverpool struggling to respond.
Doku’s performance proved influential as City made the most of their numerical advantage and continued to threaten the home side’s defence.
Rayan Cherki Completes City’s 3-0 Victory
Rayan Cherki sealed the result in the 78th minute with a well-worked finish.
The midfielder allowed the ball to run through to Josko Gvardiol before moving into the penalty area to meet his teammate’s return pass and slot the ball into the net.
The third goal prompted some Liverpool supporters to leave before the final whistle as City celebrated an emphatic away victory.
Enzo Maresca Praises Manchester City’s Unity
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca praised his players for handling the pressure and hostile atmosphere at Anfield.
He acknowledged that the team would need to learn to deal with criticism and noise throughout their away fixtures, adding that winning matches was the best response.
City midfielder Elliot Anderson also highlighted the team’s togetherness, saying the players fought for one another in a difficult environment.
The victory provided a strong on-field response after a turbulent week for the club.
Liverpool Manager Questions Refereeing Decision
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed disappointment with the decision to send Gravenberch off.
He argued that the first yellow card was unnecessary and said the dismissal significantly changed the course of the match.
Iraola acknowledged that City were the better side after Liverpool were reduced to 10 players but criticised the refereeing during the contest.
Liverpool supporters also directed chants at City after the final whistle, referring to the club’s potential relegation amid the ongoing financial rules case. Manchester City have denied wrongdoing and appealed the independent commission’s verdict.
Manchester City Extend Lead at the Top of the Premier League
The win gave Manchester City six victories from six matches, leaving them on 18 points and three points ahead of Arsenal.
Liverpool dropped to ninth place after suffering their first league defeat of the season.
Maresca also became only the fourth manager to win each of his first six Premier League matches with a club, following Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
While City’s performances have strengthened their position at the top of the table, uncertainty surrounding the club’s financial case continues to cast a shadow over their season.