Manchester City secured a victory over Liverpool at Anfield in their first appearance since being found guilty of 114 charges, in breach of Premier League financial regulations between 2009/10 and 2017/18. City won 3-0 against a team managed by Andoni Iraola.
The victory was secured in the second half, with goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Ryan Cherki. City hold a three-point lead at the top of the table. The club has appealed against the ruling.
Haaland was visibly moved after the match, on the verge of tears, in front of City fans including his father, Alf-Inge. "For every individual at Manchester City, for every fan, this is a wonderful moment that will stay with us for a long time," said Haaland. "It was difficult. It was hard, but we showed incredible character from the back to the front of the team."
The manager, Enzo Maresca, celebrated the victory with a fist pump. "We knew there would be noise, but we have to create our own noise with victories," Maresca said. "I can't control things outside football, so why stress?"
The reception at Anfield was far from welcoming. City arrived at the stadium through a staff entrance. Fans waved flags with a half-and-half motif, reading 'Shamchester City - The Cheats'. The announcement of the line-up was drowned out by deafening boos. Banners reading 'A Generation Of Supporters Cheated', 'And After All You Really Robbed Us All' and 'All Of Your Stars Are Fading Away' were displayed around the stadium.
Liverpool fans have harboured a sense of injustice after finishing second to City in the 2013/14, 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons. Among those present at Anfield was Noel Gallagher, while executive director Ferran Soriano watched the proceedings without expression. One flag bore the message 'In Khaldoon We Trust. We've Won It All', a show of support for chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. City fans waved hundreds of inflatable bananas. The DJ at Anfield played Fleetwood Mac's 'Little Lies'.
The potential sanctions include relegation from the Premier League or a points deduction.
