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Gravenberch’s red card shifts the tide as Manchester City blows away Liverpool at Anfield
Manchester City secured a statement win over Liverpool, defeating the Reds’ 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday as Ryan Gravenberch's second-half dismissal completely changed what was a tightly contested encounter.
With the score goalless after an hour, Liverpool looked capable of challenging the current league leaders, but the Dutch midfielder’s red card left the hosts exposed, and City ruthlessly capitalized.
The first half was a cagey affair, with neither side able to establish clear dominance.
Liverpool showed greater attacking intent after the break, with Lewis Koumas forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma to make a brilliant save.
Gravenberch and Alexis MacAllister also threatened from a distance as the Reds attempted to take the lead in front of their home crowd, who were furious at the visiting side surrounding the recent controversy.
However, the match’s turning point arrived in the 62nd minute.
Gravenberch, who was already booked, received a second yellow card for a challenge on Jeremy Doku as the Belgian winger attempted to launch a counter-attack.
Referee Chris Kavanagh sent the Liverpool pivot off, reducing the hosts to ten men at such a crucial phase of the game.
This decision sparked a debate and faced criticism.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola questioned the first booking, while former Liverpool defender and pundit Jamie Carragher also criticized the referee’s decision to hand Gravenberch a yellow for his earlier challenge, as it led to him getting sent off for a challenge deserving of just a yellow card.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 65th minute, finishing after Doku’s attempt created a chance inside the penalty area.
Just three minutes later, Doku doubled City’s lead with a superb curler into the far corner.
Rayan Cherki then completed the rout in the 78th minute, converting from close range after Joško Gvardiol’s flick after brilliantly dancing past the Liverpool defenders inside the box.
All three Manchester City goals came in the second half after Gravenberch's dismissal, and it shows the impact it had on the game.
City’s movement and technical quality on the ball became increasingly difficult for Liverpool to contain, while the hosts struggled to maintain their defensive shape with a man down.
Enzo Maresca's side could easily find space between the lines after Gravenberch was sent off. For Manchester City it was a much-needed result after a controversial international break, which has certainly put the morale down inside the dressing room.
Furthermore, the Citizens keep their unbeaten streak to the Premier League season alive while Liverpool fell to their first league defeat of the season, stranding them to 9th on the table with 9 points after 6 games.
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