Manchester City produced a dominant second-half performance to beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, with Ryan Gravenberch’s red card proving a major turning point in the contest.

The result keeps City three points behind Arsenal in the title race. For Liverpool, it was also the first defeat under Spanish head coach Andoni Iraola.

Gravenberch Red Card Changes the Game

Liverpool attempted to fight their way back into the match after the break. Luis Koumas came close, but his effort was denied by Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The game changed dramatically after Gravenberch was sent off. With Liverpool down to 10 men, City increased the pressure and quickly took control.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring before Jeremy Doku doubled the advantage just three minutes later with a curling effort from outside the box.

City completed the rout in the 78th minute when Ryan Cherki combined with Josko Gvardiol before finding the back of the net to make it 3-0.

Tension Surrounding City’s Financial Case

The match took place against the backdrop of Manchester City’s ongoing financial controversy. An independent commission has investigated allegations relating to the club and its Abu Dhabi ownership between 2009 and 2018, including claims that financial arrangements artificially inflated revenue and reduced reported costs.

No final punishment has yet been announced, while City’s appeal against the decision remains an important factor in determining what could happen next.

Possible sanctions reportedly include a significant points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League. There has also been discussion over whether titles won during the period under investigation could be affected.

Liverpool have finished behind City in second place three times over the past 12 years, adding another layer to the rivalry between the two clubs.

City Take Control on the Pitch

The build-up to the match was also marked by protests from Liverpool supporters over City’s financial case. Police escorted the visiting team bus to Anfield, although there was no repeat of the violence that targeted City’s bus before their Champions League meeting in 2018.

On the pitch, however, City had the final word.

After Gravenberch’s dismissal, Haaland, Doku and Cherki struck in the second half to seal a convincing 3-0 victory and keep Manchester City firmly in the title race.