Erling Haaland rejects Elliott Anderson’s view on Liverpool boos after Manchester City win

Erling Haaland said the hostile reception Manchester City received at Anfield was no different from the usual atmosphere at the stadium, despite team-mate Elliott Anderson insisting the boos were “more than usual” during their 3-0 victory over Liverpool.

The match was Manchester City’s first since the club was found guilty of several breaches of Premier League financial regulations. The club has appealed against the ruling, but its players produced a strong response on the pitch as Liverpool were beaten after playing with 10 men.

According to ESPN, Manchester City were booed throughout the contest. However, the visitors continued to perform effectively in the difficult atmosphere, with Haaland scoring the first of three quick goals after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off midway through the second half.

The result prompted jubilant scenes among the Manchester City players and visiting supporters. Haaland spent several minutes taking part in the celebrations after the final whistle.

“For every supporter, this is a great moment that will stay with us for a long time, both because of how we felt during the game and after it,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

“It was a difficult and demanding match, but we showed great character. I am very proud of everyone.”

Anderson also praised Manchester City’s resolve after their success at one of the Premier League’s most challenging venues.

“I think we showed real togetherness and a fighting spirit,” he said.

“It is a difficult stadium, and coming here is a challenge, but we stuck together and fought for one another on the pitch. We also played well. I think we showed great courage here.”

Asked about the reception from Liverpool supporters, Anderson said the intensity had been noticeably greater than normal.

“It was definitely more than usual, both when we arrived at the stadium and during the first 10 minutes of the game,” he said.

“But I think we did a brilliant job of silencing the crowd.”

Haaland, however, did not believe the atmosphere had been significantly different from previous meetings at Anfield.

“Not really, because it is always difficult to come here,” he said.

“During the Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp era, these games were extremely difficult for both teams.”

For Haaland, the key to Manchester City’s performance was remaining focused in the face of the pressure and concentrating only on what the players could influence.

“It is about moments like this, when you have to stay mentally strong, stick together and focus on the things you can control,” he added.

“What we can control is playing good football and fighting together.”