LIVERPOOL: Manchester City’s first match since being embroiled in controversy for breaching Premier League (EPL) financial regulations ended in a draw when they defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield.
Enzo Maresca’s squad once again widened the three-point gap at the top of the league table with a spirited performance, although the club is now facing a ‘season in turmoil’ while awaiting the outcome of an appeal regarding the potential for severe punishment including expulsion or points deduction.
Liverpool fans clearly wasted no time in expressing their dissatisfaction before and throughout the match with repeated chants of ‘fraudsters’.
However, City, who consistently denied the accusation, responded to all provocations on the pitch with tactical discipline that restrained the home team, before tearing apart The Reds’ defence after Liverpool played with 10 men following Ryan Gravenberch’s red card.
Erling Haaland broke the deadlock with a stunning strike in the 65th minute, before substitute Jeremy Doku scored the second goal three minutes later with a beautiful curling shot into the top corner.
City’s dominance was sealed in the final minutes when Rayan Cherki displayed a stunning solo run to make it 3-0, comfortably defeating the home side.