Second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku and Rayan Cherki secured the points for Enzo Maresca’s side in a match that changed significantly after Liverpool were reduced to 10 men.
The result moved City to 18 points from six matches, putting them three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.
Liverpool and Manchester City battle in a tense first half
Liverpool began with intensity in front of their home supporters, looking to disrupt City’s rhythm and create opportunities through their attacking players.
City remained organised under pressure, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making important interventions as Liverpool attempted to turn their promising spells into goals.
At the other end, City threatened through Enzo Fernández and their forward line, but Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker helped keep the contest goalless at half-time.
Gravenberch red card changes the game
The decisive turning point arrived in the 62nd minute when Ryan Gravenberch was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Doku.
Liverpool were forced to continue with 10 players, giving City greater space to exploit as the visitors increased their attacking pressure.
The numerical advantage quickly told, with City taking control of the match and finding the breakthrough just minutes later.
Haaland breaks the deadlock
Haaland opened the scoring in the 65th minute, unleashing a powerful left-footed finish after Doku’s attempt was blocked and the ball fell into his path.
The Norwegian striker’s goal rewarded City’s growing pressure and left Liverpool facing an increasingly difficult task.
Doku doubles City's advantage
City struck again three minutes later when Doku produced a superb finish to make it 2–0.
The Belgian winger cut inside before curling an excellent effort into the far top corner, giving Alisson little chance of making the save.
The goal strengthened City’s control and left the home side with a two-goal deficit to overcome while playing with 10 men.
Cherki completes the emphatic victory
Cherki put the result beyond doubt in the 78th minute with an impressive individual effort.
The French midfielder combined with Josko Gvardiol before showing excellent footwork inside the penalty area and finishing calmly past Alisson.
His goal completed a memorable afternoon for City, who saw out the closing stages to claim an important away victory.
What the result means for Manchester City
The win took Manchester City to six victories from six Premier League matches, giving them 18 points and a three-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal.
It also marked successive league victories at Anfield for the first time since 1953, according to Manchester City’s official match report.
For Liverpool, the defeat represented their first league loss of the 2026–27 campaign. Gravenberch’s dismissal proved costly, as City took full advantage of the extra space to score three times.
City will now turn their attention to their upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, while Liverpool must regroup after a difficult afternoon in front of their home supporters.