A statement win at the Etihad
Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Liverpool was more than just three points. It was a performance that underlined their early-season dominance and left little doubt about their intent.
City went into the match unbeaten and sitting atop the Premier League table. They had also led the league in possession by nearly three full minutes before kick-off, a statistic that hinted at their control.
Yet for the first 10 minutes or so, it was Liverpool who controlled the pace of play. The visitors looked sharp, moving the ball quickly and asking questions of City's backline.
But City weathered the early storm. In the first half, they tested Alisson Becker just once, and even that was a relatively easy save. It was a half of few clear chances, but City stayed patient.
The game turned in the 62nd minute when Ryan Gravenberch picked up his second yellow card, reducing Liverpool to 10 men. Three minutes later, Erling Haaland scored with a wicked swing of his left leg to break the deadlock.
Jeremy Doku then scored minutes later to double the lead. A 2-0 advantage against 10 men felt like 10-0, and City were in complete control.
They added a third to complete the rout, a 3-0 win that sent a clear message to the rest of the league. In six matches this season, City has won every one.
Enzo Maresca has a firm grasp of what his club needs, and this performance was evidence of that. The Blues are setting the pace, and on this evidence, they will take some stopping.