Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, 2026, moving three points clear at the top of the table.

Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki scored as City capitalised on Liverpool’s second-half struggles to secure an important victory amid growing controversy surrounding the club’s financial case.

The match was City’s first since being found guilty of 114 charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial regulations between the 2009–10 and 2017–18 seasons. The club has appealed the findings, leaving the final outcome uncertain.

Before kick-off, Liverpool supporters displayed banners questioning City’s achievements, including messages accusing the club of cheating and calling for honesty in football. City fans responded by waving inflatable bananas and displaying banners reading “In Khaldoon We Trust” and “Not Guilty”.

On the pitch, the contest remained closely fought until Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 62nd minute.

City took advantage shortly afterwards, with Haaland opening the scoring just two minutes and 37 seconds after the dismissal. Doku added the second before Cherki completed the victory following a sequence of 41 passes.

The result equalled Liverpool’s joint-biggest home defeat in Premier League history.

However, the financial case continues to generate debate about the credibility of the competition and the future implications for Manchester City. Daily Mirror chief football writer John Cross questioned whether the situation risked turning the season into a farce, while former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said City’s players could only focus on their performances while the authorities handled the case.

City’s victory strengthens their position in the title race, but the unresolved appeal continues to cast a shadow over their achievements. The final outcome could influence how the club’s success during the period under investigation is viewed.

For now, Manchester City remain focused on winning matches as the Premier League awaits further developments in the case.

A little more informed. A little more connected.