Manchester City maintained their flawless start to the 2026-27 Premier League season with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 11. Goals from Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki secured City’s sixth consecutive league win and kept them three points clear at the top of the table.
The result was particularly significant as City’s first match since an independent commission found the club guilty of multiple breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules. With an appeal ongoing, Enzo Maresca’s side responded to the off-field scrutiny with a commanding performance, recording their first back-to-back league victories at Anfield since 1953.
Liverpool Hold Firm Before City’s Second-Half Surge
The first half was closely contested, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, looked purposeful during extended spells of the opening period despite missing several key players, including Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak.
Neither team managed to break the deadlock before the interval, leaving the score at 0-0 at half-time.
However, the match changed dramatically in the 62nd minute when Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch received a second yellow card for a challenge on substitute Jérémy Doku. Iraola later questioned the first caution, describing it as minor, but the dismissal left Liverpool facing an uphill battle against the league leaders.
Haaland, Doku and Cherki Complete the Rout
City took full advantage of their numerical superiority, breaking the deadlock just three minutes after Gravenberch’s dismissal.
Erling Haaland produced a powerful first-time finish following Doku’s involvement to put the visitors ahead. City quickly doubled their advantage when Doku produced a superb curling effort into the top corner, giving Liverpool little time to recover.
Rayan Cherki completed the scoring in the 78th minute, finishing a patient attacking move involving 41 passes. The goal underlined City’s control and ability to maintain possession while patiently waiting for the right opportunity.
The three-goal victory demonstrated City’s attacking quality and ruthlessness, particularly after Liverpool were reduced to ten men.
Maresca Praises City’s Response to Outside Pressure
Maresca was pleased with how his players handled the atmosphere at Anfield and the scrutiny surrounding the club following the financial verdict.
“This kind of win is good for all the Club,” he said. “We need to learn how to deal with the outside noise… Our noise is to win games like we did today.”
The City manager also highlighted the importance of the result for the wider organisation during a turbulent period. His side’s performance offered a strong response on the pitch, with the players remaining focused despite the attention surrounding the club.
Iraola Points to Gravenberch’s Red Card
Liverpool manager Iraola believed his side had performed well before the dismissal changed the contest.
“We played two different games – one until the red card and one after,” he noted. “I think we were the better team until the red card.”
Iraola praised his players’ effort and the backing they received from the Anfield crowd, while acknowledging that City capitalised ruthlessly once Liverpool were down to ten men.
The defeat was Liverpool’s first of the league campaign and highlighted how difficult it can be to recover against a side of City’s quality after a major turning point.
Premier League Table: City Extend Their Lead
The victory leaves Manchester City on 18 points from six matches, three points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, who have 15. Liverpool sit ninth with nine points after suffering their first defeat of the season.
City have made an impressive start to their campaign, combining consistent results with a statement win against one of their traditional rivals. However, the club’s ongoing appeal against the financial ruling means off-field scrutiny will continue alongside its title challenge.
Manchester City next face Ipswich Town at home, while Liverpool travel to Brentford. City will look to extend their winning run, while Liverpool will aim to respond quickly after a difficult afternoon at Anfield.
For now, Maresca’s side have sent a clear message to their title rivals: they remain focused on winning matches despite the noise surrounding the club.
Esther Afriyie Kumah is the Digital Media & Operations Manager and a writer AL Media Sports, the sports division of AL Media Group. She specializes in sports journalism, content and video production, covering Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, and African football with in-depth match reports, tactical analysis, player ratings, and expert insights.