Haaland framed the win as a psychological test as much as a sporting one. Days after the ruling went against the club, City’s squad walked out at a packed and openly hostile Anfield. Ninety minutes later they had won 3-0 and remained three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool held the league leaders for an hour. The match turned on the 62nd minute, when Ryan Gravenberch was shown a second yellow card for clumsily catching the heels of Jeremy Doku. On commentary, Gary Neville called the decision “very soft”.

Haaland scored three minutes later. Doku added a second from outside the box, and Rayan Cherki finished a flowing move to seal it. Three goals against ten men inside a short second-half spell.

‘Stick together’ as the ruling looms

Haaland’s post-match comments turned on mentality and togetherness.

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“It was tough, it was hard but we showed amazing character from back to front,” he said.

“This was a mental battle. Proud that we managed to stick together, we are mentally strong.”

He returned to that theme throughout.

“Every single person that is part of Man City, and every fan, this is a lovely moment that will stay with us for a long time,” Haaland told France 24.

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“You want to win games, it’s as simple as that. Perform well, play good football and win games.”

FFP verdict hanging over the squad

An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules. The club has lodged an appeal and continues to deny wrongdoing. Potential sanctions have not been set.

Sunday was the first time the squad had been examined in public since the verdict. The reception at Anfield was openly hostile, with Liverpool supporters feeling wronged by the titles City won across the period under scrutiny. The response on the pitch was ruthless, the club’s first win at Anfield in over 20 years.

Six out of six under Maresca

City have won all six of their opening Premier League fixtures under Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola in the summer, and sit three points clear at the top with 18 points. The Italian was appointed on 29 June 2026 and has yet to drop a point.

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