Manchester City recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki securing the Premier League leaders all three points. The result came in a fiercely charged atmosphere, with Liverpool supporters directing boos and chants at City following…...
Manchester City recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki securing the Premier League leaders all three points.
The result came in a fiercely charged atmosphere, with Liverpool supporters directing boos and chants at City following a recent independent commission verdict finding the club guilty of charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. City have denied wrongdoing and appealed the verdict, according to Reuters.
Liverpool competed on relatively even terms during a goalless first half, but the contest changed in the 62nd minute when midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The dismissal left the hosts with 10 men and gave City the opportunity to take control of the encounter.
Haaland broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, finishing to put City ahead just three minutes after Gravenberch’s dismissal. Doku then doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 68th minute, punishing Liverpool as City quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage.
Cherki completed the scoring in the 78th minute with a third goal that sealed a commanding away win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Liverpool had shown some attacking intent before the break, but struggled to recover after going a player down. City, meanwhile, managed the game effectively and made their advantage count during a decisive spell in the second half.
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City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma also played an important role, denying Liverpool opportunities during the match. The hosts threatened early in the second half, with Lewis Koumas and Gravenberch among those whose efforts were kept out or failed to find the net.
Doku’s goal was particularly impressive, with the winger curling his effort into the top corner to give City a two-goal cushion. Cherki’s late finish then capped the visitors’ performance and underlined their ability to exploit the spaces Liverpool left while trying to get back into the game.
The victory extended City’s perfect start to the league campaign, while Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season. The match was also notable for the hostile reception City received at Anfield, where supporters displayed banners and chanted in protest over the club’s financial-rule verdict.