Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a commanding 3-0 win at Anfield, a result shaped by Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal early in the second half.
Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki all found the net after the interval as Enzo Maresca’s side capitalised on Gravenberch’s red card to record a statement result over their rivals.
Liverpool had more than held their own during a goalless opening period, but the contest swung on Gravenberch’s second yellow card in the 62nd minute.
City required only three minutes to turn the extra man to their advantage. Haaland broke the deadlock, and Doku swiftly doubled the visitors’ lead.
Cherki then produced a spectacular third, rounding off a miserable afternoon for Andoni Iraola’s team.
The fixture unfolded against a hostile backdrop, following the recent verdict that found Manchester City guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations. Liverpool supporters made their feelings known before kick-off and kept up the noise throughout, with banners and chants aimed at the visiting side.
On the pitch, though, the hosts initially looked capable of going toe to toe with the league leaders.
With Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo both unavailable through injury, Iraola handed Lewis Koumas his first Premier League start, while Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola also featured in Liverpool’s attack.
Koumas and Munoz were lively in the opening exchanges, pressing City and attempting to disrupt their passing rhythm.
Clear openings proved hard to come by for the visitors in the first half, although Enzo Fernandez did test Alisson Becker with a curling effort from distance that the goalkeeper gathered comfortably.
Neither side could force a breakthrough before the interval, and the contest remained finely balanced as the second half began.
Liverpool continued to compete after the restart, only for their hopes to suffer a major setback shortly after the hour mark.
Gravenberch was shown a second yellow card in the 62nd minute, reducing the hosts to ten men and handing City the opportunity to take control.
Maresca’s players wasted little time in accepting the invitation.
Haaland opened the scoring in the 65th minute, putting City ahead and leaving Liverpool facing an uphill battle.
Just three minutes later it was 2-0, Doku finishing after being set up by Elliot Anderson. The Belgian winger had been introduced from the bench and made an immediate impact, providing the pace and direct running that the home side struggled to contain.
With Liverpool pushing to find a way back into the game, City kept exploiting the additional space.
Cherki completed the scoring in the 78th minute, producing an excellent individual finish after being assisted by Josko Gvardiol.
That third goal effectively ended any prospect of a Liverpool comeback, and City comfortably saw out the remaining minutes.
City’s ruthlessness once the numbers tilted in their favour settled a match that had been evenly contested until the hour mark, while Liverpool were left to reflect on a red card that transformed their afternoon.
