Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki struck in a devastating 13-minute second-half spell as Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City secured a commanding victory over Liverpool, extending their winning start to six matches.
By Open Chronicle Sports
LIVERPOOL, October 11, 2026 — Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League season with a 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, capitalising on Ryan Gravenberch’s second-half dismissal to secure their sixth consecutive league win.
The contest remained goalless until the 62nd minute, when Liverpool midfielder Gravenberch received a second yellow card following a challenge on Jérémy Doku.
The dismissal proved decisive.
Just three minutes later, Erling Haaland broke the deadlock before Doku doubled City’s advantage in the 68th minute. Rayan Cherki completed the scoring in the 78th minute, turning what had been a closely contested encounter into an emphatic away victory.
The result leaves Enzo Maresca’s side at the top of the Premier League with 18 points from six matches, three ahead of second-placed Arsenal.
Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, remain ninth with nine points after suffering their first league defeat of the season.
Anfield Contest Remains Balanced Before the Break
Manchester City arrived at Anfield seeking to preserve their flawless league record, but the visitors faced a determined Liverpool side backed by a passionate home crowd.
The opening period was competitive, with both teams attempting to establish control in midfield.
Liverpool threatened through their attacking movement, while City looked to create opportunities through possession and quick combinations.
The hosts had opportunities to test goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was also called upon as City began to find space in the attacking third.
Despite moments of pressure at both ends, neither team managed to break the deadlock before halftime.
The 0-0 scoreline reflected a contest in which both sides remained firmly in contention.
Liverpool continued to threaten after the restart, but the balance of the match changed dramatically shortly after the hour.
Gravenberch’s Red Card Changes the Match
The decisive moment arrived in the 62nd minute when Ryan Gravenberch was dismissed after receiving his second yellow card.
The Liverpool midfielder was penalised for a late challenge on Doku, who had entered the match as a second-half substitute.
The decision left Iraola’s team facing the final stages with 10 players against a Manchester City side already beginning to create dangerous opportunities.
City immediately increased the pressure, exploiting the additional space and forcing Liverpool deeper into their own half.
Within three minutes of the dismissal, the visitors were ahead.
The red card proved to be the turning point of an encounter that had remained finely balanced for more than an hour.
Haaland Opens the Scoring as City Take Control
Erling Haaland struck in the 65th minute to give Manchester City the lead.
The Norwegian forward capitalised on an attacking move involving Doku, whose initial effort was blocked before Haaland reacted to drive the ball into the net.
The goal rewarded City’s growing attacking pressure and gave the visitors an immediate advantage following Gravenberch’s dismissal.
Liverpool had little time to reorganise before City struck again.
In the 68th minute, Doku cut inside and produced a curling finish into the top corner, doubling Manchester City’s lead.
The Belgian winger’s introduction had transformed City’s attacking threat.
His pace, movement and direct running created problems for Liverpool’s defence, while his involvement in the opening goal and his own finish underlined his influence on the result.
Two goals in three minutes had effectively shifted control of the match into City’s hands.
Cherki Completes the Victory With Third Goal
Manchester City’s attacking momentum continued as Liverpool struggled to contain the visitors with a player fewer.
Rayan Cherki added the third goal in the 78th minute following an impressive individual move.
The French midfielder combined skill and composure to create space inside the penalty area before finishing past Alisson.
His goal completed a 13-minute scoring sequence that transformed the match from a goalless draw into a 3-0 victory.
City’s three scorers reflected the variety of attacking options available to Maresca, with Haaland providing the opening breakthrough, Doku making a decisive impact from the bench and Cherki supplying the final flourish.
Liverpool were unable to recover from the rapid succession of goals.
Maresca’s Manchester City Continue Perfect Run
The victory maintained Manchester City’s position at the summit of the Premier League and extended their winning record to six matches from six.
Under Enzo Maresca, City have opened the season with maximum points, establishing an early advantage over their closest challengers.
The win at Anfield was particularly significant given the difficulty City have historically experienced at Liverpool’s home ground.
It also marked successive league victories for Manchester City at Anfield, a feat the club had not achieved since 1953.
For Maresca, the result demonstrated his team’s ability to remain composed in a demanding atmosphere and take advantage of decisive moments.
The Italian coach praised the importance of the victory for the wider club following the match, emphasising the value of the performance and the collective response of his players.
City’s attention will now turn to their next fixtures as they seek to maintain their momentum domestically and in European competition.
Liverpool Face Questions After First League Defeat
For Liverpool, the result brought their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign to an end.
Andoni Iraola’s team had remained competitive until Gravenberch’s dismissal, but the numerical disadvantage proved too difficult to overcome against the league leaders.
Liverpool’s defensive structure came under increasing pressure after the red card, and City’s quick succession of goals left the hosts with little opportunity to respond.
The defeat leaves Liverpool ninth with nine points, nine behind Manchester City after six rounds.
Although the season remains in its early stages, the result highlights the importance of discipline and concentration in matches against the Premier League’s leading teams.
Liverpool will now seek to recover their form and prevent the defeat from affecting their progress in the coming fixtures.
City Strengthen Their Position at the Top
Manchester City’s 3-0 victory at Anfield provided another significant result in their impressive start to the campaign.
The match was ultimately decided by Gravenberch’s dismissal and City’s ruthless response, with Haaland, Doku and Cherki delivering three goals in just 13 minutes.
For Maresca, the victory represents another important step in his early tenure at Manchester City.
For Liverpool, the challenge is to respond to their first league setback under Iraola and regain momentum in an increasingly competitive Premier League season.
After six rounds, Manchester City remain the only team with a perfect record, setting the early pace in the race for the English title.
Match Information
Premier League 2026/27 | Matchweek 6
Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Halftime: 0-0
Goals
- 65′ — Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- 68′ — Jérémy Doku (Manchester City)
- 78′ — Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
Red Card
- 62′ — Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), second yellow card
Managers
- Liverpool: Andoni Iraola
- Manchester City: Enzo Maresca
Premier League Standings
Manchester City: 1st, 18 points, six wins from six matches.