Manchester City secured a decisive 3‑0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, silencing the controversy that has surrounded the club since the Premier League found them guilty of 114 breaches of financial regulations. The win, which came on City’s first outing after the verdict, saw Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki find the net, keeping the team unbeaten in the league and at the summit of the table.
The result was a milestone for new manager Enzo Maresca, who now boasts a perfect start to his managerial reign. With six consecutive league wins, he has matched the best opening record in Premier League history. In a post‑match interview, Maresca praised the players for “making their own noise” and emphasised that the club’s focus should remain on winning games rather than the legal proceedings. He added that the fans’ support at the end of the match was the true source of the “noise” that helped the team. When asked whether the appeal against the club’s guilty verdict needed to be heard quickly to enjoy the triumph, Maresca said he was simply happy to be preparing for matches and that he would discuss the situation once the appeal was decided.
City’s chief executive, Ferran Soriano, was also in attendance at Anfield, underscoring the club’s commitment to transparency amid the fallout. Maresca noted that the team’s unity was a key factor in the win, especially given the pressure of playing away at a hostile ground. “We were all together. For the importance of the game, Liverpool away, Anfield away, it was a good idea from the club to be all together. That togetherness is what we need,” he said.
The match itself turned after Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the 62nd minute for a second bookable offence. Haaland struck the opener a minute later, and City went on to dominate the remainder of the game. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola admitted that his side had performed better before the red card but praised the players for their effort after the dismissal. He also criticised the referee’s decision to issue a yellow card for Gravenberch’s first foul, arguing that it was not a situation that warranted a caution.
With the win, City remain unbeaten and at the top of the Premier League, while Liverpool drop to the bottom of the table. The club’s legal battle continues, but the emphatic victory at Anfield provides a bright moment for City supporters and a reminder of the team’s resilience in the face of external challenges.