Manchester City beat 10-man Liverpool 3-0 to extend Premier League lead

Manchester City strengthened their position at the top of the Premier League with a convincing 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, overcoming a hostile atmosphere to maintain their three-point advantage.

Enzo Maresca’s side secured the win with three second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki. Liverpool’s hopes were damaged further when Ryan Gravenberch was sent off shortly after the hour mark.

The match was played against the backdrop of City’s legal dispute with the Premier League. An independent commission found the club guilty of breaching financial regulations, a verdict City have appealed while continuing to deny any wrongdoing. The punishment has yet to be decided.

Liverpool supporters made their feelings clear before kick-off, directing chants of “cheat” at the visitors and displaying banners about City’s financial conduct. City’s travelling fans responded with a flag reading “In Khaldoon We Trust”, showing their support for the club’s leadership.

Despite the tension in the stands, the first half produced few clear chances. City gradually established control of possession, while Liverpool were unable to convert their energetic start into a meaningful opening.

The pace increased after the interval. Gianluigi Donnarumma had to save from Victor Munoz and then kept out attempts from Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Lewis Koumas, making his first Premier League start, also posed a threat as Liverpool tried to use the momentum of their home crowd.

City came close to taking the lead when Haaland lifted a delicate effort over the advancing Allison, but his chip drifted narrowly wide. He had been released by a precise, slide-rule pass from Antoine Semenyo.

Liverpool’s position became significantly more difficult in the 63rd minute. Gravenberch, who had already been booked, was shown a second yellow card after fouling Doku and Liverpool were reduced to 10 players.

City needed only just over two minutes to take advantage. Haaland reacted quickest inside the area to finish from close range and put the visitors ahead.

Doku added a second three minutes later. Cutting in from the left, he created space before curling an excellent strike into the top corner beyond Alisson Becker.

Cherki completed the scoring with 12 minutes remaining. The forward displayed his individual skill inside the penalty area before placing his finish beneath the Liverpool goalkeeper.

The result preserved City’s perfect league record and increased their lead over their nearest challengers. Liverpool, by contrast, suffered their first defeat of the campaign and dropped nine points behind the leaders.

Amid the continuing scrutiny over the financial case, City’s performance at Anfield provided a powerful response on the pitch as Maresca’s team produced a decisive victory against their title rivals.