Liverpool suffered a humiliating defeat to arch-rivals Manchester City following their emphatic 3-0 loss at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The Reds were dealt a major blow when Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the second half, leaving them vulnerable against their visitors. Liverpool had also been without three of their key players, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexander Isak, who suffered injuries during the international break.
Liverpool and Manchester City played out a goalless first half, with both sides making efforts to break the deadlock. Liverpool looked more threatening in front of goal, recording five shots and 10 touches in the opposition box, compared to City’s three shots and six touches. The Reds also registered a higher expected goals (xG) figure of 0.42, while Manchester City managed just 0.07. Neither side created a big chance before the interval.
Despite Liverpool’s attacking threat, Manchester City enjoyed more possession, controlling 54 per cent of the ball against the hosts’ 46 per cent. City also recorded two shots off target, while Liverpool had none in that category, according to the half-time statistics. However, both teams struggled to turn their efforts into goals, leaving the scoreline goalless at the break.
The second half began with both sides maintaining their composure, and Liverpool initially appeared to have the better of the game. However, the contest took a dramatic turn in the 62nd minute when Gravenberch received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card for a foul, having been booked in the 47th minute.
Manchester City immediately capitalised on their numerical advantage, with Erling Haaland opening the scoring just three minutes after Liverpool were reduced to 10 men. Jérémy Doku then doubled City’s lead three minutes later, leaving the hosts with a mountain to climb. Liverpool’s misery was compounded when Rayan Cherki scored City’s third goal, sealing a comprehensive victory for Enzo Maresca’s side.
The victory keeps Manchester City three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, with 18 points, while Liverpool dropped to ninth place on nine points following the defeat.
