Man City Answer the Noise at Anfield With a 3-0 Win

Manchester City returned to Premier League action with a 3-0 win at Anfield, and they did their talking on the pitch. The build-up was loud, the atmosphere was hostile, and the controversy surrounding the fixture showed no sign of fading. City kept their focus anyway and left Merseyside with a result that will be hard for their rivals to dismiss.

The game also changed shape once Liverpool were reduced to ten men. A side that has spent years defending its home record has to be at its most disciplined in those situations, and it is difficult to hold a line when the numbers are against you. City took full advantage, using the extra space to keep the visitors' attacks flowing and to finish their chances with authority.

For Liverpool, the defeat is a painful one in front of their own supporters. They will need to regroup quickly, especially if they want to stay in the hunt in a league where dropped points tend to add up fast. The red card and the pressure that came with it will also be part of the review.

For City, the win is more than three points. Away trips to Anfield rarely come with an easy atmosphere, and winning there with a clean performance gives Pep Guardiola's side a statement to build on. Whatever was said before kickoff, the response was the most convincing answer they could have given.