Man City shrug off uncertain future to beat 10-man Liverpool

Manchester City maintained their remarkable start to the season by thrashing 10-man Liverpool 3-0 in their first match since being found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules. The visitors extended their perfect run under new manager Enzo Maresca after Ryan Gravenberch received a second yellow card and dismissal. The victory reestablishes City's three-point lead at the top of the table, but the fate of any title claim will hinge on the outcome of the club's appeal against the extensive financial impropriety found by the independent commission.

The commission revealed that City and their Emirati owners engaged in "sham" deals over a decade, inflating revenues and reducing costs by over £900 million ($1.2 billion). While no sanctions have been imposed yet, points deductions or even expulsion from the English top-flight remain possibilities unless City overturns the decision.

The multiple breaches occurred during a period when City won multiple titles, suggesting that the illegal spending likely laid the groundwork for the club's success under the late Pep Guardiola. The match saw a hostile Anfield crowd greet City with chants of "cheats" and "going down," reflecting the intense rivalry between the two clubs.

Despite Liverpool's efforts, the Spaniard's team failed to mount a significant comeback, losing their first match under new manager Andoni Iraola.