Manchester City ignored the noise surrounding their guilty verdict and produced a statement performance at Anfield, sweeping aside ten-man Liverpool 3-0 to maintain their perfect Premier League record.
Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki all scored in a devastating second-half display as City won their first match since being found guilty on all charges of financial rule breaches. The victory keeps them three points clear of reigning champions Arsenal at the top of the table with six wins from six.
Gravenberch red card turns the tide
The match was finely poised until the 62nd minute, when Ryan Gravenberch was sent off and Liverpool simply collapsed. Up to that point, Arne Slot's side had held firm despite missing the injured trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, as reported before kick-off.
Once reduced to ten men, the hosts had no answer. Haaland smashed in on the half-volley to break the deadlock before substitute Doku curled a stunning effort into the top corner. Cherki then wrapped up the points with a composed finish to complete the rout.
Doku steals the show off the bench
While Haaland took the headlines, it was Doku who earned the highest praise. talkSPORT's player ratings handed the Belgian winger a 9/10 after he came on for Iliman Ndiaye early in the second half and changed the game. Haaland and Cherki received 7/10 and 8/10 respectively, with Ruben Dias also earning an 8.
Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Haaland said: "Every single person part of Man City, and every fan, this is a lovely moment that will stay with us for a long time. It was tough, it was hard but we showed amazing character from back to front. So proud of everyone."
Hostile Anfield atmosphere backfires
Liverpool supporters attempted to create a hostile atmosphere, with some fans displaying banners calling the visitors 'Cheats' in reference to the guilty verdict on financial charges. But the provocation seemed only to fuel City, who showed remarkable mental strength to silence Anfield.
"It's always tough to come here," Haaland added. "Important to stay strong mentally, stick together and do what you can do something about and the thing we can do something about is to play good football and fight together. That's the only thing we can do."
What this means for the title race
City are now the second-highest scorers in the league on 16 goals, with Brighton leading the way on 18. More importantly, they have opened a three-point gap over Arsenal while Liverpool suffered their first league defeat of the season. Lewis Koumas made his first Premier League start for the Reds and impressed in spells, but the defensive frailties exposed after the red card will concern Slot.
Beyond the Final Whistle verdict: This was a champions' performance from Manchester City. Written off by many after the guilty verdict, they went to the toughest away ground in the league and dismantled Liverpool with ruthless efficiency. If anyone can handle the pressure of the months ahead, it's this squad.
Can anyone stop City's perfect start? Let us know in the comments.
