Manchester City beat ten-man Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield through second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki.
Manchester City scored three times after Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal to beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield and preserve their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 65th minute, Jeremy Doku doubled the advantage three minutes later, and Rayan Cherki completed the victory with a brilliant third in the 78th minute.
The final score appears emphatic, but it does not fully explain a match that remained goalless and competitive until Gravenberch received a second yellow card in the 62nd minute. City ruthlessly controlled what followed, turning a difficult afternoon into a major away statement.
Liverpool compete before goalless first half
The match began beneath a hostile Anfield atmosphere as Liverpool supporters directed their anger towards City following the verdict in the Premier League financial-rules case. City have appealed, meaning the sporting and legal consequences remain unresolved. Bangbet’s Manchester City charges and appeal explainer provides additional background.
On the pitch, Liverpool were not overwhelmed during the opening hour. Florian Wirtz attempted to connect midfield with the attack, while Gravenberch carried the ball forward and tested Gianluigi Donnarumma from distance.
City had more possession but struggled to create a clear opening before the interval. Enzo Fernández produced their most notable first-half attempt with a dipping shot that Alisson held. At the other end, Liverpool carried a threat without turning their promising moments into a goal.
Gravenberch red card changes the contest
The decisive moment arrived in the 62nd minute. Gravenberch fired a long-range effort that Donnarumma pushed away before the Liverpool midfielder challenged Doku and received his second booking from referee Chris Kavanagh.
The decision was disputed by Liverpool, with both cautions attracting debate. However, the immediate tactical consequence was clear: the hosts lost an important ball carrier and had to reorganise against a City team built to exploit additional space.
The Guardian’s live account noted that City recorded 82% possession during the ten minutes after the dismissal. Liverpool’s defensive distances widened, Doku attacked from the left, and Haaland suddenly received better service inside the box.

Three goals in 13 decisive minutes
Haaland broke the resistance in the 65th minute. Doku drove into the area and had a shot blocked, but the loose ball travelled across the box to Haaland, who powered a first-time finish beyond Alisson.
Doku then made it 2-0 in the 68th minute. The Belgian moved infield from the left, created room away from his marker and curled an excellent shot into the far corner. His introduction for Iliman Ndiaye in the 56th minute had transformed City’s attacking threat even before Liverpool went down to ten players.
Cherki added the third ten minutes later after an extended spell of City possession. Josko Gvardiol’s clever touch helped release the Frenchman, who escaped the defender’s challenge and finished underneath Alisson with composure.
Liverpool vs Manchester City statistics
Sky Sports’ match statistics show that City controlled possession and passing, although Liverpool produced more shots on target.
| Statistic | Liverpool | Manchester City |
| Possession | 35.4% | 64.6% |
| Expected goals | 0.94 | 1.28 |
| Total shots | 13 | 15 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 4 |
| Touches in opposition box | 16 | 33 |
| Accurate passes | 238 | 489 |
| Passing accuracy | 80.4% | 88.7% |
| Corners | 5 | 6 |
| Red cards | 1 | 0 |
The 3-0 score was more decisive than the xG difference, reflecting the quality of City’s finishing after the dismissal. Liverpool’s six efforts on target also show that Donnarumma contributed to the clean sheet.

What the result means for both teams
City ended the weekend with six wins from six league matches, 18 points and a goal difference of plus 11. They moved three points ahead of Arsenal, maintaining early control of the title race.
Liverpool suffered their first league defeat of the season and remained on nine points from six matches. The performance before the red card offered encouragement, but the collapse afterwards exposed how quickly control can disappear against elite opponents.
What it means for Ugandan supporters
The 6:30 p.m. EAT kick-off gave Ugandan Liverpool and Manchester City supporters a convenient Sunday evening fixture. Fans watching from homes, bars and hostels saw two different contests: a balanced tactical battle for an hour and a dominant City display after the red card.
The result will intensify debate among Uganda’s large Premier League following. City supporters can point to a perfect league record and attacking depth, while Liverpool fans can reasonably argue that the dismissal changed a contest in which their team had competed strongly.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored in Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City?
Haaland scored in the 65th minute, Doku in the 68th and Cherki in the 78th.
Why was Ryan Gravenberch sent off?
Gravenberch received a second yellow card for his challenge on Doku in the 62nd minute.
What were the possession statistics?
Manchester City had 64.6% possession, while Liverpool recorded 35.4%.
Where did the result leave Manchester City?
City moved to 18 points after winning all six of their opening league games.

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Conclusion
Manchester City’s 3-0 victory combined patience, a decisive substitute and ruthless finishing under severe pressure. Liverpool competed until Gravenberch’s red card, but City immediately exploited the numerical advantage.
Haaland supplied the breakthrough, Doku changed the rhythm, and Cherki produced the final flourish. The score will be remembered as a convincing Anfield win, while the match itself underlined how one disciplinary moment can completely alter an elite contest.

