Manchester City defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday to preserve their 100 per cent start to the Premier League season, delivering a strong response on the pitch amid growing controversy over their financial conduct.

The victory was City’s first match since an independent commission found the club guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. City have appealed the decision and continue to deny wrongdoing.

The controversy dominated the atmosphere at Anfield, where Liverpool supporters booed the visitors, displayed banners criticising the club and chanted accusations of cheating. Some fans also questioned the legitimacy of City’s achievements during the period under investigation.

City responded with a determined performance, extending their winning run to six league matches and moving three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.

The match remained closely contested during the first hour, with Liverpool applying pressure without converting their opportunities. The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch received a second yellow card for a foul on Jérémy Doku, leaving the hosts with 10 men.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 65th minute, finishing from close range after Doku’s effort fell into his path.

Doku doubled City’s lead three minutes later with a superb long-range strike that curled into the far corner, leaving Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker with little chance of making a save.

Rayan Cherki completed the scoring in the 78th minute, finishing a well-worked move involving Josko Gvardiol to seal a convincing away victory.

City manager Enzo Maresca praised his players for remaining focused despite the hostile reception, acknowledging that the scrutiny surrounding the club would continue during their away matches.

He said the team needed to learn to manage the external pressure, adding that winning matches remained the most effective way to respond.

Haaland also stressed the importance of unity within the squad, describing the victory as a memorable moment and urging his teammates to remain together during the difficult period.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola, meanwhile, questioned the decision to send off Gravenberch, arguing that the first yellow card had been harsh. He acknowledged that City gained control after the dismissal.

The result left City with 18 points from six matches, while Liverpool suffered their first league defeat of the season.

Although the victory reinforced City’s position at the top of the table, the ongoing appeal means uncertainty remains over the eventual consequences of the financial ruling. The reception at Anfield illustrated the wider debate surrounding the case, which continues to cast a shadow over the club’s achievements.