Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City was a big talking point in the weekend but a red card changed the course of the game. Liverpool competed for more than an hour but Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal is what Manchester City needed to win 3-0 at Anfield on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The result was a huge statement from City, who had continued with a perfect start to the Premier League season at the top, while Liverpool suffered their first league defeat of the campaign.
Liverpool Starts Strong and Matches City’s Challenge
The game began with both teams intent on possession and goals. Liverpool had a great start and had the energy levels to disrupt City’s passing game.
The first half was a tight affair and neither team was able to get the breakthrough. Manchester City had moments of promise in the first half but Liverpool's defensive organisation limited the visitors' clear chances.
Liverpool also began the second half with renewed attacking intent. Lewis Koumas tested City's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister tried to create opportunities from outside the penalty area.
At that stage, the contest was still open and Liverpool were capable of challenging the league leaders.
Gravenberch Red Card Changes the Match
The defining moment came in the 62nd minute when Gravenberch received his second yellow card for a challenge on Jeremy Doku. Liverpool were reduced to 10 players and had the task of playing a Manchester City side known for its ability to exploit space.
The decision was one of the big talking points of the match. The referee handled the incident poorly according to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, particularly regarding the midfielder's first booking.
And so the dismissal was given, and City immediately increased the pressure.
Haaland and Doku Strike Quickly
Manchester City took advantage of their numerical superiority just three minutes after the red card.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 65th minute, completing the move which began with Doku attacking. The goal put Liverpool under immediate pressure.
Three minutes later, Doku doubled City's lead with an excellent finish into the top corner. Liverpool had little time to recover or respond to the swift succession of goals.
Rayan Cherki completed the scoring in the 78th minute, connecting from close range after Josko Gvardiol created the chance.
The three goals made it easy for the visitors to win.
Highlights from our thrilling 3-0 victory at Anfield 📺 https://t.co/n86AcM8Ajs
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 11, 2026
What the Result Means for Liverpool and Manchester City
Manchester City is now the top Premier League team and their response to pressure proved their ability to perform well.
Liverpool’s defeat will also raise questions of discipline, defensive organisation and how the team plays when down to 10 players. The red card was a turning point but the team will also have to revisit the handling of City’s attacks afterwards.
That has not taken away Liverpool’s promising spells before the dismissal but rather highlights how quickly one single incident can change a result.
What Comes Next?
Liverpool need to regroup and prepare for their next games and Manchester City will push on to maintain their winning momentum. The Anfield encounter will be remembered for Gravenberch's red card and City's clinical response.
Liverpool had competed well before the dismissal but City showed their quality when the chance came. In a game between two of the biggest title contenders, the red card was the one that changed everything.
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