Haaland hails Manchester City’s memorable 3-0 win at Anfield

Erling Haaland said Manchester City’s 3-0 win at Anfield will live long in the memory after the champions silenced a hostile Liverpool crowd in their first game since being found guilty of multiple Premier League financial-rule breaches.

City have lodged an appeal against the ruling, but their players faced sustained boos from home supporters on Merseyside and answered emphatically on the pitch. Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was dismissed midway through the second half before City struck three times in quick succession, with Haaland opening the scoring.

The Norwegian remained in front of the travelling fans for several minutes after full time as City’s players celebrated a major away result. Haaland said it had been a difficult afternoon but praised the squad’s response, describing the collective character shown as a source of pride for the club and its supporters.

He insisted the challenge of playing at Anfield was nothing new, pointing to the intensity of previous meetings between City and Liverpool during the Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp years. Haaland said City’s focus had to remain on what they could control: playing well, standing together and fighting for each other.

Elliot Anderson also pointed to City’s resilience, saying the side had shown unity, courage and determination in a stadium he described as one of the toughest venues to visit. He acknowledged that the reaction City received on arrival and during the opening 10 minutes was louder than usual, but felt the visitors gradually took the crowd out of the contest.

Former City defender Micah Richards said the players had delivered the strongest possible answer to the pressure surrounding the club. He argued that while the controversy was directed at City, the squad had absorbed much of the abuse, and responded by producing an outstanding performance.

What happens next: City’s appeal process will continue away from the pitch, while Guardiola’s side move on from Anfield with a statement victory after a charged afternoon against 10-man Liverpool.