Liverpool 0-3 Man City: Anfield Fear Factor Fades as 10-Man Reds Crumble

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City at Anfield after Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the 62nd minute, extending their winless Premier League home run to five matches (four draws, one defeat). Andoni Iraola's first defeat in 24 league games leaves the Reds ninth, with just seven goals scored this season.

  • Result: Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Red card: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) 62nd minute
  • Liverpool's league position: 9th
  • Anfield league form: Winless in five (D4, L1)

What was said

"We played two different games. One until the red card, and then after. For 60 minutes, the players were very good. The second game from the red card was where City were better than us."

— Andoni Iraola, speaking to Match of the Day

"The best teams in the world are also horrible to play against. Liverpool aren't horrible. They're an easy touch at the moment. They have too many players that are nice and they have to change that part of things. Liverpool have got a lot of work to do. They don't have enough leaders at the moment, apart from Virgil van Dijk barking orders."

— Stephen Warnock, former Liverpool defender, on BBC Radio 5 Live

"When you go to Liverpool, especially when Jurgen Klopp was there, the crowd played such a major part. It feels like that's gone… I don't think the fans are quite on board at the minute with what's happening there. When we used to go there, I'd think, 'how are we going to get the ball?', because they were on top of you. Teams seem to have a lot more possession and look a bit more comfortable than they ever have."

— Paul Scholes, former Manchester United midfielder, on The Good, the Bad and the Football podcast

"The likes of Fulham five years ago are going to Anfield and they're beaten before they even go up the steps."

"You learn a lot in games like today. I am very proud of my players. They put the work rate and everything in today. It's a loss and we didn't get anything from the performance but I liked it a lot."

— Andoni Iraola, post-match

The numbers

  • Liverpool have won just four of their last 13 Anfield Premier League matches.
  • They have won more away matches than home matches during that period.
  • This season, Liverpool have scored seven league goals – only seven teams have managed fewer.
  • Manchester City have scored 16 league goals this season, more than double Liverpool's tally.
  • At Anfield this season, Liverpool have failed to score in two of their three league games, scoring just twice.
  • Since the start of the season, away sides have a 12.5 per cent win percentage at Anfield in Premier League history – the lowest at any stadium.

Injury and availability

Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were all absent with injuries and were pictured in the Main Stand. The trio have scored six of Liverpool's seven league goals this season. Ryan Gravenberch was sent off in the 62nd minute and will be suspended.

Why Liverpool's home aura has faded

The statistics paint a stark picture. Since the start of 2025, Liverpool have won four of 13 Anfield league games. Former players point to a lack of aggression and leadership. "They're an easy touch at the moment," said Stephen Warnock, highlighting that only Virgil van Dijk provides vocal organisation. Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt added that visiting teams no longer arrive beaten, a shift from the Klopp era.

Against City, Liverpool were competitive until Ryan Gravenberch's red card. After that, they capitulated. In attack, the absence of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai – who have scored six of Liverpool's seven league goals – was keenly felt. Lewis Koumas worked hard but lacked a killer edge. Summer signings Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola, both costing over £100m, failed to deliver a match-winning moment. Wirtz's 55th-minute decision to shoot instead of passing to the unmarked Milos Kerkez and Barcola summed up their afternoon.

Liverpool now sit ninth, with a negative goal difference and a home record that no longer intimidates. Iraola must quickly restore the fear factor, starting with getting his big-money signings to perform and his injured forwards back on the pitch.

Talking points

  • Is Liverpool's problem tactical or psychological? The stats show a clear decline at Anfield, but the lack of leaders suggests a deeper issue.
  • Should Iraola be criticised for his substitutions after the red card? The team collapsed once Gravenberch was dismissed, raising questions about the bench's impact.
  • Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola cost over £100m combined – did they justify their price tags against City?
  • Can Liverpool still challenge for the top four, or is this season already a write-off after just a few games?

What happens next

Liverpool travel to face a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent in their next Premier League fixture, but the immediate focus will be on integrating returning injured players. The Reds must find a way to win at Anfield to halt their worst home league run in decades. Next up is a crucial away trip before another Anfield test.

Frequently asked questions

Why was Ryan Gravenberch sent off against Manchester City?

Ryan Gravenberch was shown a red card in the 62nd minute. The source does not specify the exact reason for the dismissal, but it led to Liverpool playing with 10 men and subsequently conceding three goals.

How many Premier League games have Liverpool gone without a win at Anfield?

Liverpool are winless in five successive Premier League home games (four draws, one defeat), stretching back to last season. This is only the second time ever they have failed to win their first three home league matches of a season.

Who was missing for Liverpool through injury?

Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai were all out with injuries. They have scored six of Liverpool's seven league goals this season.

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