Manchester City secured a 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, maintaining their perfect start to the Premier League season and extending their lead at the top of the table to three points. The win came amid a challenging period for the club, which has recently been found guilty of 114 breaches of the league's financial regulations by an independent commission—a ruling that City has denied and is appealing.

Despite facing intense hostility from the home crowd, including loud boos and chants directed at the club, City’s players responded with a composed and commanding performance. City manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the difficult atmosphere but emphasized the team’s focus on controlling the narrative through their results. “We need to learn how to deal with the outside noise because of the situation, and the noise will be always there,” Maresca said. “But at the same time, we need to try to make our noise, and that is win games, like we have done today.”

The game was closely contested in the first half, but City seized control after Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch received a red card in the 62nd minute. Erling Haaland opened the scoring before Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki added further goals to secure the comprehensive victory. Maresca praised his players for their mental strength and professionalism in overcoming both on-field challenges and off-field distractions.

The club’s chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Hugo Viana traveled with the team to Anfield, underscoring a message of unity amid the ongoing controversy. Maresca described this solidarity as vital for the team, particularly in such a high-pressure environment. “For the importance of the game, Liverpool away, Anfield away, it’s a good idea from the club to be all together, the togetherness that in this moment we need,” he said.

Following the final whistle, Maresca and his staff celebrated with their players before joining the traveling supporters to share in the victory. The manager acknowledged that similar hostility could be expected at future away matches as the legal process plays out but reiterated his commitment to focusing on football. “I’m here to try to prepare for the games and win games,” Maresca said. “Hopefully, I can speak about this situation when we win the appeal.”

City’s response to the challenges facing the club has been to let their performance on the pitch speak for itself, using victories to counter external criticism as they await the outcome of their appeal.