Maresca Proud as Man City Silence Anfield Noise

Manchester City went to Anfield carrying more than the usual pre-match pressure. It was their first game since being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, and the verdict hung over the build-up. City answered on the pitch, beating Liverpool 3-0 in a result that will be read as a statement of focus as much as a rivalry win.

Afterwards, Enzo Maresca said the squad had managed the distraction. "We deal with the noise," he said, and he admitted to being proud of how his players responded. For a manager, the message was clear: the off-field story was not going to dictate the performance.

The Premier League's financial rules exist to stop clubs spending beyond what their finances can support and to keep the competition sustainable across the board. A finding of guilt is a serious matter for any club, and it is unlikely to fade from the headlines quickly. For now, though, City have a win at one of the league's toughest away grounds to take into the next fixtures, and Maresca's side have shown they can keep the wider story at arm's length while they play.