On Merseyside, Manchester City turned a difficult afternoon at Anfield into a statement of control, leaving Liverpool with a 3-0 defeat in their first match since the club was accused of 114 alleged financial breaches. Pep Guardiola’s side had to wait for the match to open up, but once Ryan Gravenberch was sent off, City swept through the final half-hour with ruthless efficiency.
A red card altered the Anfield contest
Liverpool had kept City scoreless for more than an hour and were seeking to make home advantage count against one of their principal title rivals. The balance shifted sharply in the 61st minute, however, when Gravenberch collected a second yellow card and reduced the hosts to 10 men.
- Ryan Gravenberch was dismissed in the 61st minute after receiving his second booking.
- Erling Haaland put City ahead four minutes later with a long-range strike.
- Jeremy Doku doubled the visitors’ lead in the 68th minute, finishing a move created by Elliot Anderson.
Haaland’s goal broke Liverpool’s resistance at 65 minutes, and City immediately sensed the opportunity to press home their numerical advantage. Doku’s composed finish followed only three minutes later, leaving the home side with little time or space to build a response.
Cherki completes City’s late surge
City’s third arrived in the 78th minute through Rayan Cherki. The attacker concluded a flowing passing sequence inside the Liverpool penalty area, putting the result beyond doubt and underlining the visitors’ command after the dismissal.
All three goals came within a 13-minute spell, transforming a tight, goalless contest into a heavy home defeat. Liverpool could not recover after Gravenberch’s exit, while Guardiola’s players used their extra man and growing momentum to dictate the closing stages.
Perfect opening keeps City on top
The result takes Manchester City to 18 points from six Premier League fixtures, preserving a flawless start to the campaign and placing them at the summit. Arsenal are second on 15 points, three behind the Manchester club.
- Manchester City: 18 points from six wins in six matches.
- Arsenal: 15 points in second place.
- Manchester City goalscorers: Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki.
For City, the trip to Liverpool carried significance beyond the league table. With the allegations over the 114 financial matters continuing to surround the club, their response came on the pitch: a disciplined performance at Anfield, followed by a decisive burst that strengthened their early claim in the title race.
