Liverpool undone by six-minute collapse against Manchester City after Gravenberch red card

Liverpool’s hopes of maintaining control against Manchester City were overturned in a decisive six-minute spell at Anfield, after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off and the visitors scored twice to take command of the match.

The turning point came in the 62nd minute, when Gravenberch received a second yellow card for bringing down Jeremy Doku at the start of a Manchester City counter-attack. The Dutch midfielder was dismissed, leaving Liverpool to play the final half-hour with 10 men.

The dismissal arrived just as Liverpool had begun to impose themselves on the game. The home side had been creating pressure and threatening Manchester City’s goal in more than one way, but Gravenberch’s departure changed the balance of the contest and opened space for the visitors to exploit.

Manchester City needed only three minutes to take advantage of the numerical superiority. Erling Haaland put the visitors ahead in the 65th minute, punishing Liverpool almost immediately after they lost one of their players and giving his side the lead in a match that had been developing differently before the red card.

Doku then struck again in the 68th minute. The winger moved in from the left before curling an excellent effort beyond Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, doubling Manchester City’s advantage and leaving the hosts in a highly difficult position.

The two goals in such a short period highlighted the impact Gravenberch’s dismissal had on Liverpool’s defensive structure. What had been a competitive encounter was transformed within six minutes, with Manchester City suddenly in a strong position to complete the victory at Anfield.

Manchester City close in on perfect start

Manchester City were now close to securing three points that would take them to 18 points from six matches. The result would preserve their 100% record and leave them alone at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool, meanwhile, faced the prospect of suffering their first defeat in the Premier League this season. Their positive spell was undone rapidly, with the red card and Manchester City’s two goals turning the match in the visitors’ favour.