Man City stun Liverpool at Anfield 3-0, but Premier feels in limbo

Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in their first match since being found guilty on 114 charges over financial-rule breaches from 2009-10 to 2017-18. The win came in a hostile atmosphere, but the bigger context is a Premier League “holding pattern” due to potential sanctions, including relegation or a record points deduction.

Erling Haaland looked close to tears in front of City supporters, including his father Alf-Inge, while head coach Enzo Maresca celebrated wildly. Phil McNulty (BBC Sport) notes that, even with goals in the second half from Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, the result may not carry the usual meaning until the appeal process runs its course.

Maresca stressed how to handle the noise: “We knew there was going to be noise but we need to make our own noise by winning games.” Haaland added that it was tough at Anfield, but City showed “amazing character” and focused on what they can control.