Manchester City delivered a statement performance at Anfield, beating Liverpool 3-0 on Sunday to maintain their perfect Premier League start just days after being found guilty of serious financial breaches.
Enzo Maresca’s side capitalised on Ryan Gravenberch’s second-half dismissal to secure a commanding victory, with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki finding the net.
Man City have now won all six of their league matches this season.
Dealing with controversy
The result provided a significant response to the criticism surrounding the club following an independent commission’s verdict on their financial conduct. City have rejected the findings and lodged an appeal.
Maresca acknowledged the hostile atmosphere at Anfield but insisted his players must learn to handle the scrutiny that will follow them throughout the campaign.
“We need to learn how to deal with the noise because it will be with us in all the away games. We need to deal with that and make our noise,” he told Sky Sports.
“Our noise is to win games like today. At the end of the game, it was just our fans and our noise.”
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Star Haaland hails team-mates, fans
Haaland also praised City’s collective response, describing the victory as a moment that would remain with the club’s supporters.
“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,” the striker said.
The match remained goalless until Gravenberch received a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.
Haaland broke the deadlock shortly afterwards before Doku doubled the advantage with an excellent finish. Cherki then completed the scoring in the 78th minute.
A statement win despite criticism
Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane praised Man City’s response, describing the result as a statement from Maresca’s team.
“The sending off was a big help but you still have to show your quality. The three goals were fantastic,” Keane said.
He also highlighted Doku’s impact after coming off the bench, while suggesting City had quickly moved beyond concerns about life after Pep Guardiola.
The victory leaves Man City top of the Premier League table, three points clear of Arsenal, while Liverpool suffered their first league defeat of the season.
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