Manchester City thrash 10-Man Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield (Photos)

Manchester City delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, scoring three times in 13 second-half minutes after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in a fiercely contested Premier League encounter.

Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki scored for City, who took full advantage of their numerical superiority to extend their winning start to the league campaign and maintain their position at the top of the table.

The match had been evenly contested in the first half, with Liverpool showing attacking intent through Lewis Koumas and Victor Muñoz, while City gradually grew into the game.

Both sides struggled to produce a decisive finish, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0.

Liverpool’s hopes of securing a positive result suffered a major setback in the 62nd minute when midfielder Gravenberch received a second yellow card for a challenge on Doku as the Belgian threatened to break forward.

The dismissal changed the complexion of the contest, allowing City to exploit the extra space and take control of proceedings.

Three minutes later, Haaland broke the deadlock.

Doku’s cross from the left was partially blocked before the ball fell to the Norwegian striker, who struck a powerful left-footed effort into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.

City doubled their advantage in the 68th minute through Doku, who cut inside from the left before curling a superb right-footed shot into the top-right corner beyond goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The Belgian’s goal capped an impressive attacking spell from City, who had struggled to create clear chances before Gravenberch’s dismissal.

Cherki completed the scoring in the 78th minute with a moment of individual brilliance.

After exchanging passes with Joško Gvardiol, the French midfielder deceived Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong with a series of quick movements before calmly rolling the ball past Alisson.

Liverpool attempted to respond, but City’s disciplined defending and control of possession prevented the hosts from mounting a sustained comeback.

Haaland had also missed a promising opportunity earlier in the second half, while Doku repeatedly troubled Liverpool’s defensive line.

The result came amid heightened tension surrounding Manchester City’s financial-rule case.

Reuters reported that an independent commission had found the club guilty of breaches of Premier League financial rules, allegations City have contested as they pursue an appeal.

The controversy added to the hostile reception the visitors received from Liverpool supporters at Anfield.

Despite the atmosphere, City remained composed and ruthless after taking the lead, turning a tight contest into a convincing victory.

Photos