Liverpool 0-3 Man City was decided in a ruthless 16-minute spell at Anfield on Sunday. Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for a second yellow card in the 62nd minute, and Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki then scored to keep Manchester City perfect at the top of the Premier League. Liverpool, under Andoni Iraola, suffered their first league defeat of the season.
For an hour this looked like a tight, even contest. Liverpool pressed well, City were patient, and the scoreline was 0-0 at half-time. One decision changed everything, and Enzo Maresca’s side made Liverpool pay almost instantly.
Liverpool 0-3 Man City: Key Facts
- Competition: Premier League 2026/27
- Date: Sunday 11 October 2026
- Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
- Half-time: Liverpool 0-0 Man City
- Full-time: Liverpool 0-3 Man City
- Goals: Haaland (65), Doku, Cherki (78)
- Red card: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), 62 minutes, second yellow
- Managers: Andoni Iraola (Liverpool), Enzo Maresca (Man City)
How the Game Turned on the Red Card
Liverpool started with energy and created the better openings in a cagey first half. The home crowd was loud, the press was working and City found it hard to settle into their passing rhythm. It was the kind of first hour that Iraola would have been pleased with.
Then came the moment that decided the match. Gravenberch, already on a yellow card, went into a challenge on Doku just after the hour and was shown a second booking. Plenty of observers felt the decision was harsh, and Liverpool supporters will argue about it all week. Harsh or not, it left the Reds with ten men and half an hour to survive against the league leaders.
Haaland Strikes First
City needed only three minutes to take advantage. Haaland opened the scoring in the 65th minute, once again proving he only needs a sliver of space to punish a stretched defence. With Liverpool forced to reorganise, the gaps kept appearing.
Doku Off the Bench, Cherki Finishes the Job
Doku, who had come on as a substitute and was involved in the incident that led to the red card, doubled the lead shortly afterwards, cutting inside and beating Alisson. The third goal was the pick of the bunch. Elliot Anderson found Cherki, Josko Gvardiol flicked the ball on and Cherki finished a slick team move in the 78th minute. Game over.
What the Result Means for the Title Race
City have now won all six of their Premier League matches this season and sit top with 18 points. Under Maresca they look organised, patient and deadly once they get on top of a game. That combination makes them very hard to back against right now.
Liverpool are left on nine points from six games, with two wins, three draws and this defeat. It is far from a crisis, but the gap to the top is already significant. Iraola’s side were also reportedly without Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, which limited the attacking options available from the bench once they went down to ten men.
If you read our Liverpool vs Man City prediction earlier in the week, you will know we expected a tight game. It was tight, right up until the red card.
Liverpool vs Man City: Three Talking Points
1. Discipline cost Liverpool dearly
Whatever you think of the second yellow, a midfielder on a booking has to be careful against a dribbler like Doku. Liverpool had matched City for an hour, and one tackle undid all of that work.
2. City’s bench made the difference
Doku’s impact off the bench showed the depth Maresca has. When the game opened up, City had fresh legs and quality to exploit it, while Liverpool were stretched.
3. Haaland keeps delivering in big games
Haaland’s opener was a reminder of why he remains one of the most reliable scorers in world football. For anyone backing goalscorer markets, the Norwegian is consistently among the shortest prices for a reason.
Betting Angle: What to Take From This Game
For punters, there are a few lessons. City’s ability to score in quick bursts makes markets like “City to score in both halves” or “City win and over 2.5 goals” worth a look in their bigger matches, but always weigh up the opponent and team news first. Liverpool’s results, meanwhile, suggest they are hard to beat at full strength, but their depth is being tested.
Keep an eye on our match predictions for upcoming Premier League and European fixtures, and check the official Premier League table for the latest standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in Liverpool vs Man City?
Manchester City won 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday 11 October 2026. Haaland, Doku and Cherki scored after Liverpool went down to ten men.
Why was Gravenberch sent off against Man City?
Ryan Gravenberch received a second yellow card in the 62nd minute for a challenge on Jeremy Doku. Many felt the decision was harsh.
Who scored for Man City against Liverpool?
Erling Haaland scored in the 65th minute, substitute Jeremy Doku added the second shortly after, and Rayan Cherki made it 3-0 in the 78th minute.
Where are Man City in the Premier League table?
City are top with 18 points after winning all six of their league matches. Liverpool have nine points from their six games.
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