Manchester City delivered a statement performance at Anfield, beating Liverpool 3-0 to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season. Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki scored in the second half to secure a convincing victory for Enzo Maresca's side, who have now won all six of their league matches.
The game remained goalless for more than an hour, but Ryan Gravenberch's dismissal proved a turning point. Liverpool were reduced to ten men in the 62nd minute, allowing City to take control and turn a tight contest into a comfortable win.
Gravenberch red card changes the game
Liverpool competed well during the first half, with both sides creating opportunities without finding the breakthrough. The Reds looked capable of challenging the visitors, but the balance shifted when Gravenberch received a second yellow card for a foul on Doku.
With a numerical advantage, City increased the pressure and quickly found the opening they needed. The dismissal left Liverpool struggling to contain the visitors' attacking threat, and the goals soon followed.
Haaland opens the scoring before Doku doubles City's lead
City broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. After Doku drove into the penalty area, the ball fell to Haaland, who fired a powerful left-footed shot past Alisson to put the visitors ahead.
Just three minutes later, Doku produced a moment of individual brilliance to make it 2-0. Cutting inside, the Belgian winger unleashed a superb curling effort into the far top corner, leaving the Liverpool goalkeeper with no chance.
The quick double put City firmly in control and left Liverpool with a mountain to climb.
Cherki completes a memorable win at Anfield
Rayan Cherki added the third goal in the 78th minute, finishing from close range after a move involving Josko Gvardiol. The goal capped an impressive second-half display and confirmed City's commanding victory.
The result also marked City's second consecutive win at Anfield, their first time achieving that feat since 1953, according to the club's match report.
Manchester City maintain perfect Premier League start
The 3-0 victory takes Manchester City to six wins from six league matches, strengthening their position at the top of the Premier League table. Maresca also joined a select group of managers to win their first six Premier League games.
For Liverpool, the defeat represents their first league loss of the 2026/27 campaign. Andoni Iraola's side will need to regroup after a contest that changed dramatically following Gravenberch's red card.
City, meanwhile, leave Anfield with three points and a powerful message to their title rivals.