The result and manner of performance from either side were almost a side issue to how the supporters would react before and during the game.
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Liverpool's toughest test
Indeed, Anfield could best be described as a cauldron when the teams walked out onto the pitch, ready to do battle.
Enzo Maresca's side were protecting a 100% record from the start of the 2026/27 campaign, something else that had been largely glossed over in the lead-up to this game.
Liverpool, unbeaten under Andoni Iraola, were going to face their toughest test, and the outcome would surely have some bearing on just how well equipped they were to be considered as genuine contenders, even at this early stage.
City won 2-1 on their last visit to Anfield, with Erling Haaland on the scoresheet. The Norwegian had already raced into the lead for the Premier League's top scorer this season, closely followed by Liverpool's Alexander Isak.
Unfortunately for the Swedish international, injury ensured that he wouldn't be able to add to his four goals, and he would only be able to cheer on his teammates on from the sidelines.
Cody Gakpo and Dominic Szoboszlai were also injured, putting the Reds at an immediate disadvantage.
Barcola causing problems
That said, it was the hosts who took the game to opponents who were booed every time they touched the ball.
Ronald Araujo's exuberance earned him an early yellow card, whilst Victor Munoz was lively and had two on-target efforts before City had even had a sniff of goal.
The Spaniard was one of five Liverpool players to contest at least 10 duels during the game, as the hosts did everything to knock their visitors out of their swaggering stride.
In Bradley Barcola, they had a player who would cause City problems all afternoon, with his seven attempted dribbles being more than any other player on the pitch.
Flashpoint between Gravenberch and Anderson
Along with Ryan Gravenberch, he completed four of those, though Gravenberch's afternoon would take a turn for the worse in the second half.
The Dutchman, arguably the midfield enforcer in Szoboszlai's absence, won the majority of his one-on-ones and successfully won his only aerial battle, as well as regaining possession on four separate occasions.
City soon came roaring back into the game with three efforts of their own, and in Elliot Anderson, they had their own workaholic in central midfield.
The England international's 18 duels attempted, and 12 won, were both a best-in-class showing on the day, as were his 105 touches.
He would be involved in one of the game's flashpoints after the break, however, after Gravenberch was shown a yellow card for a foul on him.
It appeared to be a harsh decision, and it would have further implications as, after an hour, Gravenberch rightly received a second booking for a clumsy foul on Jeremy Doku, ending his participation in the match at that point.
Haaland gives City the lead
Haaland had only touched the ball eight times in the first half, but he'd soon drill the visitors into the lead after a period of Liverpool dominance during which Gianluigi Donnarumma would earn his keep.
The giant Italian's five saves after an hour were already the most he'd made in a Premier League game since facing Newcastle United on February 21st, 2026 (six saves).
Once Gravenberch had seen red, it took Haaland just three minutes to open City's account, with his only shot on target in the game.
The latter only had 19 touches in total before being subbed off, but on the basis that he pays his rent in goals, the striker had come good once again.
Wirtz off colour... again
That's more than can be said for the likes of Liverpool's Florian Wirtz.
The German arrived at the club to a huge fanfare and a groundswell of expectation, but more than a year after signing, he's still yet to explode in the Premier League.
Against City, Wirtz didn't dribble the ball once, couldn't win any of his aerial battles, had two shots that were both off target, and only managed a barely passable 80% pass completion.
Once City sub Jeremy Doku shimmied in the area and sent a rocket past Alisson into the top corner three minutes after Haaland's opener, the game was over, Liverpool were done for, and the mutterings from the crowd began to be directed at their own players.
At that point, the visitors settled into a period of dominance themselves, having 73% of the ball, before Rayan Cherki's impudence to make it 3-0 saw a mass exodus of home fans, heading for the exits to beat the rush.
When Iraola pores over the minutiae of this game and wonders where it all went wrong, a lack of ability to do the simple things well will be a recurring theme.
Virgil van Dijk not even attempting a tackle in 90+ minutes is one of many standout stats in a game that only one team wanted to win.
Jason Pettigrove has been the features writer for Flashscore since 2025, utilising Opta data to form the basis of his articles. He has previously worked for high-profile football clubs, news and media outlets, both in print and digital, and can usually be found watching FC Barcelona when time permits. You can read more of his pieces here.
