Manchester City claimed a big 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield in a Premier League match that changed completely after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the second half.
Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki scored the goals as City took control after the Reds were reduced to 10 men during the second half action.
The result strengthened City’s position at the top of the Premier League table, while the reds were left to regret a costly red card and several missed chances.
The match began in a tense atmosphere at Anfield, with Liverpool supporters making their feelings clear towards the visitors currently 114 charges and guilty verdict.
City faced loud boos and protests before kick-off following the recent verdict over the club’s financial rule breaches, which Manchester City deny and are appealing the whole charges.
Despite the pressure, both teams started with purpose. The host tried to make use of their home advantage, while City looked comfortable keeping possession and building attacks through midfield.
The first half ended goalless, with neither side able to find a clear breakthrough. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma dealt with the home side attempts, while Alisson Becker remained alert at the other end.
Liverpool started the second half with greater attacking intent as Ryan Gravenberch tested Donnarumma with a long-range effort with Alexis Mac Allister following with a shot that went just wide.
Florian Wirtz also missed the target from distance after Gravenberch helped move the reds forward. These efforts briefly lifted the home crowd, but the host could not turn their pressure into a goal.
Manchester City also created dangerous openings with Antoine Semenyo who sent a low cross across the six-yard box, but Iliman Ndiaye could not reach it.
Nico O’Reilly later wasted a promising chance when he failed to control Jeremy Doku’s through pass inside the home side penalty area.
Erling Haaland then missed a golden opportunity in the 60th minute. Semenyo played him through on goal, but the striker’s right-footed attempt went wide of the far post.
The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Gravenberch received a second yellow card after a challenge on Doku, leaving the host to carry on with 10 players.
The decision was debated because some observers felt both bookings were harsh. However, the host had to continue with one fewer player, and City quickly took advantage of the extra space.
Manchester City broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Doku drove into the host box and saw his effort blocked by Mac Allister. The loose ball fell to Haaland, who finished powerfully past Alisson to make it 1-0.
City doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Doku cut inside from the left, created space near the edge of the penalty area and curled a superb shot into the far corner.
His goal put Liverpool under even more pressure and gave City a comfortable advantage as play continued between both teams. Cherki added the third goal in the 78th minute after a patient passing move.
Elliot Anderson played the ball into the area, and Josko Gvardiol helped set up Cherki, who showed excellent control before beating Alisson with a composed finish.
It was a fine individual goal that underlined City’s confidence after Gravenberch’s dismissal. The game finished with Manchester City claiming a massive 3-0 victory after 90 minutes at Anfield.
Gravenberch was sent off after two yellow cards. Nico O’Reilly was booked in the 58th minute, while Ayyoub Bouaddi received a yellow card late in the game. Virgil van Dijk was also booked in the 90th minute for a foul on Cherki.
City introduced Doku in the 56th minute, and his impact proved vital. The host made changes in an effort to respond, but City continued to control the game. Cherki also had a late effort deflected over the crossbar.
The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 victory for Manchester City. Haaland, Doku and Cherki supplied the goals, but Gravenberch’s red card proved decisive. Liverpool must now recover quickly, while City will take confidence from an impressive away performance.
