Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield was a dark day for supporters, with anger towards City dominating the aftermath. Yet, despite the comprehensive loss, there were encouraging signs in the Reds' performance before Ryan Gravenberch's second-half dismissal.
Iraola praises players' efforts
Head coach Andoni Iraola acknowledged the game's two distinct phases, saying: "I think the analysis is quite clear, no? I think we played two different games: one until the red card, and one from the red card until the end." He added: "I think we were the better team until the red card in the first 62 minutes, I think. And they were better than us, obviously, after the red card."
Iraola commended his players' commitment, stating: "But I think the players deserve credit today, because I think they've given everything. They've given everything."
First-half promise despite pressure
City's attacking setup, with full-backs Matheus Nunes and Nico O'Reilly inverting, created one-v-one situations for wingers Antoine Semenyo and Iliman Ndiaye. Ronald Araujo's early booking added pressure, but Liverpool held firm.
Despite seeing only 44.8% of the ball, Liverpool restricted City to 55.2% possession, well below their season average of 63.4%. The Reds forced City to lose the ball in their own half 28 times and made 11 more final-third entries than the visitors.
Gravenberch's impact before red
Gravenberch, playing a more advanced role, was Liverpool's most advanced player in average positions. He made three interceptions and was the only Red to win possession in the final third, stifling City's transitions.
Before his 62nd-minute sending off, the 24-year-old had the most shots on target for Liverpool (two), made seven final-third entries, and completed all four dribbles while winning 60% of his duels.
Liverpool edged duels (51.3%) and aerial duels (52.4%), making 12 tackles to City's seven and 10 interceptions to their four. Gianluigi Donnarumma was forced into six saves, his most in a Premier League game since February.
Refereeing decision and context
Gravenberch's second yellow for a foul on Jeremy Doku was arguably justified, but frustration centred on his first booking for a soft foul on Elliot Anderson. Liverpool supporters pointed to a Ruben Dias challenge on Lewis Koumas as more worthy of a card.
City, found guilty of 114 charges by an independent commission last month, have appealed, leaving uncertainty over their season. The defeat, while painful, came against a backdrop of City's alleged financial breaches, which have fuelled anger across the league.
For Liverpool, the performance offered reasons for optimism ahead of a tough run of fixtures, with Gravenberch's display a notable positive despite the result.
