Enzo Maresca's City shrug off boos to dominate at Anfield

Manchester City, the Premier League leaders, overcame a hostile Anfield crowd and a ten‑man Liverpool side to secure a 3‑0 victory, their first public test since an independent commission found them guilty of financial breaches.

Atmosphere and early setback

The match opened under a febrile atmosphere, with City fans and players repeatedly labelled cheats and booed at every opportunity. Within three minutes of the kickoff, Ryan Gravenberch received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Liverpool with ten men.

Enzo Maresca’s side responded swiftly; Erling Haaland broke the deadlock shortly after the dismissal, his strike witnessed by his father Alfe‑Inge and a sea of inflatable yellow bananas waved by away supporters.

Second‑half surge

Jeremy Doku, introduced in the 56th minute, curled home a second goal, while Rayan Cherki added a third, allowing Maresca to rest Haaland with ten minutes remaining and clinch back‑to‑back league wins at Anfield for the first time since January 1953.

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Liverpool’s lineup was further weakened by the absence of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai missed the match with a hamstring problem.

The first half saw Liverpool press high, with Lewis Koumas making his full Premier League debut and Victor Munoz proving effective, but City failed to register a shot until the 35th minute.

After the interval, Liverpool’s pressure waned; a dangerous Antoine Semenyo cross was cleared by Milos Kerkez, and Haaland’s effort was saved by Alisson Becker before the striker’s subsequent strike went wide.

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City’s composure under abuse highlighted their focus on the pitch, mirroring the club’s approach to the independent commission’s decision and their ongoing appeal, suggesting no visible concerns among the players about delivering results.