Liverpool 0-3 Man City: Premier League leaders make defiant statement with Anfield victory in first match since guilty verdict

11.10.2026, 21:18 skysports.com

Manchester City shut out all the noise and controversy to overcome a hostile Anfield atmosphere and beat 10-man Liverpool 3-0 on their return to Premier League action.

The trip to Merseyside was City's first game after an independent commission found them guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. The club have since appealed the verdict and continue to deny any wrongdoing.

The game's turning point occured after an hour when Ryan Gravenberch was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Jeremy Doku.

Up until that point, City's xG was just 0.16.

From then on, the floodgates opened.

Two minutes and 36 seconds after the sending off, Erling Haaland emphatically put City ahead before Doku and Rayan Cherki turned on the style as the Premier League leaders sent a message about what they are still capable of on the pitch.

City's ruthlessness means they remain the only team to make a perfect start to the league campaign, with Andoni Iraola's Reds already nine points adrift following their first defeat.

The City players were welcomed by a chorus of boos for both their warm-ups and ahead of kick-off as they settled into the Anfield cauldron.

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The game had mirrored the atmosphere in the early stages - frantic. The visitors were run ragged and on the receiving end of some strong tackles as the game threatened to boil over in the opening exchanges.

By half-time, City had managed to settle themselves and the crowd down. However, with Liverpool attacking The Kop in the second half, Enzo Maresca's men had to weather the storm all over again.

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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland speaking to Sky Sports:

"This is part of Man City [sticking together]. For every single fan this is a lovely moment which will stay with us for a long time.

"It was tough and it was hard but, again, we show amazing character from Donnarumma all the way back to the front. I'm so proud of everyone."

On Anfield atmosphere:

"Not really [more volatile]. It was always tough to come here in the Pep and Klopp era. It's time to stay strong mentally and stick together and do what you can do something about. What we can do something about is play good football and fight together. In the end, that's the only thing we can do."

Sky Sports' Roy Keane:

"There have been lots of statements made over the last few weeks, but the team made a statement today.

"The sending off was a big help but you still have to show your quality. The three goals were fantastic.

"It will be a big boost to City. They have had a good start to the season, great for [Enzo Maresca].

"You're thinking, 'Pep who?' at this stage. It's not even been mentioned the concerns we had when Pep left or Rodri.

"Doku made a big difference going at people. He basically changed the game [off the bench] on top of the sending off."

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