Premier League1 hour ago2 minute read

Man City silence Anfield hostility with 3-0 win over Liverpool

Manchester City secured a 3-0 victory at Liverpool despite facing intense hostility from home fans over financial rules.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Hostility at Anfield

Manchester City arrived at Anfield through the back door, taking an alternative route through back streets with a police escort to avoid hostile crowds. In 2018, City's bus was attacked on the way to Anfield, forcing players to cover from broken glass. Fans booed the players during their warm up, while banners calling the club cheats were displayed across the stands.

The Anfield DJ added to the tension by playing songs like Blame by Calvin Harris and Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac. Home supporters also sang chants that dismissed City's 21 major honours won since 2009.

Defiance on the pitch

Despite the fierce reaction from the home crowd, Enzo Maresca's team remained focused on the match. Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for Liverpool after receiving a second yellow card, and City took full advantage.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring just three minutes later. It was his sixth league goal of the season and his 118th in 138 appearances for City since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Jeremy Doku replaced Iliman Ndiaye and scored the second goal to help secure a 3-0 win for the visitors.

Off the field troubles

The match was City's first game since an independent commission found them guilty of 115 charges related to financial rule breaches. Premier League CEO Richard Masters stated that the club systematically broke rules for almost a decade. City have appealed the verdict, which covers seasons between 2009 and 2018.

City CEO Ferran Soriano watched from the directors box, though chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak was absent. Both men face being kicked out of the game if the charges are upheld. Despite the ongoing legal issues, City sit top of the Premier League table.

What it means for the next game

LASK Linz vs Liverpool (Champions League, Wed, 14 Oct): LASK Linz win 20%, draw 21%, Liverpool win 60%; expected goals 1.22 to 2.22. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.

Manchester City vs Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League, Wed, 14 Oct): Manchester City win 46%, draw 24%, Paris Saint-Germain win 30%; expected goals 1.82 to 1.42. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.