Haaland disagrees with Anderson over Anfield boos after Manchester City beat Liverpool

Erling Haaland said Manchester City’s hostile reception at Anfield was no different from usual, contradicting team-mate Elliot Anderson after the visitors’ 3-0 victory over Liverpool.

The match was Manchester City’s first since the club was found guilty of several breaches of Premier League financial regulations. Manchester City has appealed against the ruling.

Their players were booed throughout the contest, according to ESPN, but responded with a strong performance against a Liverpool side reduced to 10 men after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off midway through the second half.

Haaland scored the first of three quick goals as Manchester City secured a convincing win. The Norway striker then spent several minutes joining in with the visiting supporters’ celebrations after the final whistle.

“For every fan, this is a great moment which will stay with us for a long time, both because of how we felt during the game and after it,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

“It was a difficult and demanding match, but we showed great character. I am very proud of everyone.”

Anderson also praised Manchester City’s response to the atmosphere inside Anfield, saying the team had shown courage and resilience.

“I think we showed real togetherness and fighting spirit,” he said.

“It is a difficult stadium, and coming here is a challenge, but we stuck together and fought for one another on the pitch. We also played well. I think we showed a lot of courage here.”

Asked about the reception from Liverpool supporters, Anderson said the level of hostility had been greater than normal.

“It was definitely more than usual, both when we arrived at the stadium and during the first 10 minutes of the match,” he said.

“But I think we did a brilliant job of silencing the crowd.”

Haaland, however, felt the atmosphere was consistent with what Manchester City normally encounter at Anfield.

“Not really. It is always difficult to come here,” he said.

“During the Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp era, these games were extremely difficult for both teams.”

Haaland said Manchester City’s response had been shaped by their ability to remain mentally strong rather than becoming distracted by events outside their control.

“It is about moments like this. You have to stay mentally strong, stick together and focus on the things you can influence,” he added.

“What we can control is playing good football and fighting together.”