Manchester City Thrash 10-Man Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield
Manchester City swept Liverpool aside 3-0 at Anfield after Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal transformed a tight contest, with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki striking after the hour.
Key takeaways
- Gravenberch was sent off for a second booking in the 62nd minute.
- Haaland put City ahead three minutes after the red card.
- Doku came off the bench in the 56th minute and doubled the lead on 68 minutes.
- Cherki completed the scoring in the 78th minute from Josko Gvardiol’s assist.
- City had 65% possession and completed 551 passes in a controlled away display.
Red card opens the contest
The opening half offered little room for either attack. City dominated the ball against Liverpool’s compact defensive shape, but Enzo Maresca’s side could not initially find a route through the central areas.
Liverpool stayed in the game despite spending long spells without possession, and registered 13 attempts across the match. Gianluigi Donnarumma was required to make six saves, using his positioning to keep out efforts from Barcola and Koumas as City preserved the clean sheet.
The momentum changed decisively when Gravenberch collected his second yellow card in the 62nd minute. With Liverpool reduced to 10 players, gaps quickly emerged in midfield and City increased the tempo.
Haaland made the breakthrough on 65 minutes, having endured a largely quiet first period while occupying Liverpool’s two centre-backs. Anderson then set up Doku for the second goal three minutes later, with the substitute’s pace exposing the depleted home defence.
Cherki sealed the result in the 78th minute after Gvardiol, introduced in the 66th minute, created the chance. Cherki had repeatedly found space between Liverpool’s lines and made his influence count with the final goal.
City’s control at both ends
Maresca’s patient approach proved decisive. City retained their 4-1-4-1 structure before exploiting the extra space after the sending-off, moving rapidly from possession football into direct attacks once Liverpool were stretched.
Fernandez dictated the midfield rhythm and helped City switch play from flank to flank, while Nunes carried the ball forward from a deeper role. City also committed 14 fouls, frequently halting Liverpool breaks before they could develop.
Guehi brought composure on the right of central defence and played a key role in a back line that made 12 clearances. Captain Ruben Dias organised the high defensive line and helped limit Liverpool to six attempts on target.
Semenyo’s work down the flank helped City win six corners and drew Liverpool’s full-backs out of position. Ndiaye pressed diligently before Doku replaced him early in the second half, a substitution that immediately altered the threat City carried in transition.
A young City player was withdrawn in the 66th minute after helping preserve the visitors’ shape and contributing to their passing control. Two further late substitutes were used in the closing stages as City saw out a commanding victory.
Maresca’s changes and game management delivered the decisive edge over Iraola, as City turned a goalless tactical battle into a comprehensive Anfield win.
