Manchester City beat Liverpool as title race clouds linger over financial verdict

City’s victory leaves them unbeaten, while pundits question the impact of a pending financial verdict on the title race.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:16:25 GMT

Manchester City defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield, maintaining a perfect six‑win start to the Premier League season, according to independent.co.uk. The win kept City at the top of the table, three points clear, as the club awaits a final decision on a financial‑breach verdict.

What happened

The match ended with City scoring three unanswered goals, securing their sixth consecutive win. Enzo Maresca, the caretaker manager, praised his side’s performance, and the result left City unbeaten and leading the league.

What the reports add

Independent.co.uk highlighted the atmosphere at Anfield, describing fans’ mixed reactions and noting the “absurdity” of watching a game that might lose significance if sanctions are imposed later. Standard.co.uk quoted former England defender Gary Neville, who said the victory was “difficult to celebrate” because a possible guilty verdict in January or February could overturn City’s position, casting a “huge cloud” over the league. The same outlet also reported Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher’s view that City are currently the best team but should not be allowed to win the title if found guilty, and that Arsenal have become odds‑on favourites for the championship, with Betfair listing them at 4/9 for May 2027.

What was said

Gary Neville told Standard.co.uk, “It does feel like when you are watching them, to come and win at Anfield is really difficult… there is that thing in the back of your mind… a huge cloud hanging over the whole league.” Jamie Carragher told the same outlet, “Manchester City right now are the best team in the league… There’s no way Manchester City can be allowed to win the league this year, if they’re found guilty.”

How it came about

The clash followed an independent commission’s finding that Manchester City were guilty of 114 of 115 financial rule breaches, involving over £900 million of disguised funding (Felo coverage). City have appealed the verdict, while Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola warned the uncertainty was affecting the whole league (Felo article). Earlier this season, Arsenal and City were level on points after four games (Felo report), and betting markets have shifted in Arsenal’s favour after the verdict.

Key facts

Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield. (independent.co.uk)
The win gave City a perfect six wins from six matches, keeping them top of the Premier League. (independent.co.uk)
Gary Neville said a pending guilty verdict could cast a huge cloud over the league. (standard.co.uk)
Jamie Carragher said City should not be allowed to win the title if found guilty. (standard.co.uk)
Betfair odds list Arsenal as 4/9 favourites to win the title in May 2027. (standard.co.uk)

Timeline

2026-10-08 — Independent commission finds Manchester City guilty of 114 financial breaches.
2026-10-09 — City play Liverpool at Anfield, first match after verdict.
2026-10-11 — City defeat Liverpool 3-0, maintaining unbeaten run.