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Gravenberch red card hands 10-man Liverpool a 3-0 humbling against City at Anfield

Ryan Gravenberch was sent off for two yellow cards on the hour mark as Manchester City capitalised to beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki all scoring.

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Gravenberch red card hands 10-man Liverpool a 3-0 humbling against City at Anfield
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Manchester City swept aside a 10-man Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield after Ryan Gravenberch was dismissed for two bookable offences on the hour mark, with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki all finding the net to hand Enzo Maresca’s side a commanding victory.

Gravenberch received his first yellow card just two minutes into the second half for a lunge on Elliot Anderson, then was shown a second — and his marching orders — after tripping Doku as the Belgian drove forward. Referee Chris Kavanagh showed no hesitation on either occasion, though both Sky Sports co-commentators questioned the severity of the decisions.

“Feels really harsh when you think of two tackles,” said Jamie Carragher. “The first was not a yellow, it was so harsh, it was a nothing challenge, the referee was far too quick to get the card.”

Gary Neville echoed the sentiment: “That is very, very soft. Knowing you’re on a yellow and on the wrong side of Doku, does he need to make the challenge? Giving the referee a dilemma.”

The dismissal proved a turning point. Haaland, who had earlier spurned a one-on-one with Alisson Becker, atoned by powering home left-footed to break the deadlock. Three minutes later, Doku — who had been central to the opener — cut inside and curled a superb effort into the top corner to double City’s advantage.

With 12 minutes remaining, substitute Rayan Cherki completed the rout with a composed individual finish, playing a neat one-two before slotting beneath Alisson to make it three.

The result arrived against a charged backdrop. City had recently received a guilty verdict from an independent commission for over 100 financial breaches following a protracted legal battle with the Premier League. Anfield made its feelings clear from the outset, with Liverpool supporters displaying banners labelling City “cheats” and deploying Oasis lyrics in pointed fashion.

Despite the hostile atmosphere and three weeks of intense scrutiny surrounding the club, it was City who left Merseyside with all three points.

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