City ajar Liverpool main bola di Anfield

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

Manchester City defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season, a result that stands in stark contrast to the club’s recent legal and financial turmoil.

The atmosphere at Anfield was charged with animosity, with the visiting team greeted by deafening boos and angry chants from the home crowd. This reaction was a direct response to the independent commission’s verdict, which accused Manchester City of significant violations of financial regulations. Despite the hostile environment and early pressure from Liverpool, manager Enzo Maresca’s side remained composed, eventually taking control of the match after a pivotal disciplinary incident.

The turning point arrived in the 62nd minute when Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for a second booking following a foul on Doku, leaving the home side with 10 men and shifting the momentum decisively in favor of the visitors.

The reduction in numbers allowed City to exploit the space, with Haaland striking three minutes after Gravenberch’s dismissal. The Norwegian striker smashed a left-footed shot past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson after Doku worked the ball into the box; Doku’s attempted shot was deflected into Haaland’s path, allowing him to finish the move. Following the goal, Haaland made a beeline to celebrate with the travelling City supporters, a group that notably included Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher.

The celebration highlighted the strong bond between the players and their fanbase, even in the face of widespread criticism and legal challenges.

City extended their lead in the 68th minute through Doku, who delivered a long-range shot that curled into the far top corner. The goal was described as a gorgeous strike, further demoralizing the Liverpool side and the remaining home fans. The rout was completed in the 78th minute by Rayan Cherki, whose goal sent scores of Liverpool supporters heading to the exits.

Cherki let the ball roll through to teammate Josko Gvardiol before turning into the box to meet the pass and slot the ball home, sealing the 3-0 victory.

In post-match interviews, the players emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming the external pressures. Haaland told Sky Sports, "It was a lovely moment that will stay with us a long time." He added, "It’s time to stay strong and stick together and do what you can do something about, stick together." Midfielder Elliot Anderson echoed this sentiment, stating, "We've shown real togetherness and fight.

It's a tough place to come and it's challenging." Anderson noted that the team "really stuck together out there, fought for each other and played well," suggesting that the on-pitch performance was a deliberate response to the off-pitch controversies.

The reaction from the Liverpool end was one of frustration and defiance. At the final whistle, the remaining fans chanted "Going down! Going Down! Going Down!" in reference to the potential relegation of Manchester City, a consequence often cited in discussions surrounding the financial breaches. The club has denied all wrongdoing and has appealed the independent commission's verdict, maintaining that the findings are incorrect.

The legal battle continues, with the appeal process set to determine the final outcome of the 114 alleged breaches.

Despite the legal uncertainty, the on-field performance demonstrated the team’s resilience. A defiant Haaland and Maresca grinned and pumped their fists at the City fans, who responded by waving inflatable bananas, a symbol of the ongoing rivalry and the specific nature of the accusations against the club. The match served as a significant test for City, proving that they could maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League despite the distraction of the financial investigation.

The result keeps Manchester City at the top of the league with a perfect record, a feat that underscores their dominance in the current season. The victory at Anfield, one of the most difficult venues in English football, adds weight to their campaign and provides a morale boost ahead of future fixtures.

The incident also highlights the complex intersection of sporting performance and regulatory compliance in modern football, where teams must navigate legal challenges while maintaining high standards on the pitch.

For the broader football community, the match serves as a reminder of the stakes involved in financial regulation. The 114 breaches found by the independent commission are a serious matter, and the appeal process will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and other clubs. The outcome could have significant implications for the structure of the Premier League and the enforcement of financial rules.

Until the appeal is resolved, Manchester City will continue to play under the shadow of the verdict, but their performance on Sunday suggests that they are focused on their footballing objectives.

The presence of high-profile figures like Noel Gallagher among the travelling fans also drew attention, adding a cultural dimension to the sporting event. The celebration of the goals, particularly by Haaland, was a moment of triumph for the supporters who have remained loyal despite the controversy. The match concluded with City securing a comprehensive victory, a result that will be remembered not only for the scoreline but for the context in which it was achieved.

The team’s ability to perform under such pressure will be a key factor in their season’s trajectory, as they look to defend their lead and navigate the ongoing legal proceedings.