Manchester City silenced the noise and controversy surrounding their recent Premier League financial rules verdict, beating 10-man Liverpool 3-0 at a hostile Anfield. It was City's first game since an independent commission found them guilty of all charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. The club has since appealed the verdict and continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The turning point came after an hour, when Ryan Gravenberch was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Jeremy Doku, a decision Gary Neville called "very soft" on commentary. Until then, City's xG was just 0.16. From there, the floodgates opened. Two minutes and 36 seconds after the sending off, Erling Haaland put City ahead, before Doku and Rayan Cherki turned on the style as the Premier League leaders showed what they are still capable of on the pitch.
City were greeted by a chorus of boos during their warm-up and again before kick-off. The early stages were frantic, with the visitors run ragged and on the receiving end of strong tackles as the game threatened to boil over. By half-time, City had settled themselves and the crowd down. In the second half, Liverpool attacked The Kop and Enzo Maresca's side had to weather the storm again. Gianluigi Donnarumma was alert to keep out several vicious strikes before Gravenberch's departure changed the game.
City's ruthlessness means they remain the only team with a perfect start to the league campaign, while Andoni Iraola's Reds are already nine points adrift following their first defeat.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing