Manchester City secured a statement 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, making it six wins from six Premier League games this season.
The result comes after a difficult week for the club, with an independent commission finding Man City guilty of 114 charges related to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules.
The club have appealed the verdict and continue to deny any wrongdoing.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side put the controversy aside to deliver an impressive performance against Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool, with the manager and Erling Haaland praising the team’s response.
Man City silence Anfield with convincing victory
The atmosphere at Anfield was hostile from the beginning, with Liverpool supporters making their feelings known following the verdict.
Man City had to withstand early pressure before settling into the game, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making several important saves to keep the hosts at bay.
The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Jeremy Doku.
Haaland opened the scoring three minutes later before Doku doubled Man City’s lead with an excellent finish. Rayan Cherki then completed the victory in the 78th minute.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Maresca acknowledged that his players will need to get used to the criticism they face away from home.
The manager said: “We need to learn how to deal with the noise because it will be with us in all the away games. We need to deal with that and make our noise.
“Our noise is to win games like today. At the end of the game, it was just our fans and our noise.”
Haaland praises Man City’s character
Haaland also highlighted the importance of the result, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the club.
The striker stated: “This is part of Man City [sticking together]. For every single fan this is a lovely moment which will stay with us for a long time.
“It was tough and it was hard but, again, we show amazing character from Donnarumma all the way back to the front. I’m so proud of everyone.”
Haaland also dismissed suggestions that the atmosphere was significantly different from previous visits to Anfield.
The Norwegian said to the press: “Not really [more volatile]. It was always tough to come here in the Pep and Klopp era.
“It’s time to stay strong mentally and stick together and do what you can do something about.
“What we can do something about is play good football and fight together. In the end, that’s the only thing we can do.”
The victory keeps Man City top of the Premier League table with a perfect record.
While the controversy surrounding the club is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, Maresca’s players have made their response on the pitch.
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