The chant from The Kop went up early: "You haven't won a trophy since 1976." It referred to Manchester City's League Cup triumph, the last major honour the club won before the ownership period now under such scrutiny. City remain top of the table, having won six games from six, but this victory will not quieten the noise. They departed to boos and accusations of cheating that featured throughout the day.
Liverpool, runners-up to Manchester City three times in 2014, 2019 and 2022, were perfect but hostile hosts. The Anfield crowd provided an ideal outlet for the emotions, a proxy for supporters everywhere. It was an atmosphere like no other.
The enterprising flag and scarf sellers were prepared, with an unusual emphasis on the visitors, as this was City's first game since an independent commission judged that they broke Premier League rules between 2009 and 2018. City are appealing that verdict and continue to deny any wrongdoing. But the court of opinion is making its voice heard too. Banners referred to "a generation of supporters cheated", while a playful take on Wonderwall added the line "you really robbed us all".
Even the song choices appeared pointed. Before kick-off, Calvin Harris played "Blame", and at the final whistle Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies" rang out. City's supporters opted for defiance, with a banner declaring "In Khaldoon we trust". Others shifted focus to the club's history, with Poznan dances and inflatable bananas recalling Imre Varadi, the "Imre Banana" of the late '80s. The overriding emotions, however, belonged to the Liverpool majority, and the charges are part of City's story too.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing