Goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Ryan Cherki following Ryan Gravenberch's red card gave Enzo Maresca's Manchester City all three points after a controversial international break.
The Reds enjoyed a solid first 45, and were the better team for most of it. Andoni Iraola's side were however unable to make the most of their dominance and the sides went into the break inseparable.
Liverpool started the second half well, and gave Gianluigi Donnarumma lots of trouble. But following Gravenberch's red card in the 62nd minute, City scored three goals in 13 minutes.
The Reds had a mountain to climb after that, and just couldn't get any momentum going, as Iraola is still waiting for his first win at Anfield in the Premier League as Liverpool manager.
Here are our player ratings following the loss at home to Manchester City.
Alisson Becker - 6.0
Liverpool's number 1 didn't have much to do in the first half but made key saves when called upon and had good distribution. The Brazilian couldn't do much for three goals that were conceded.
Ronald Araujo - 6.3
Had a tough start against Antoine Semenyo, who got the better of him a few times. This wasn't helped by him getting a yellow card incredibly early on in the game, with only eight minutes gone. Came off for Jeremie Frimpong.
Jeremy Jacquet - 6.5
Dealt well with a tough defensive situation in the first half and continued his very strong start to life in Liverpool red. Didn't struggle coming up against Haaland, which was impressive.
Virgil van Dijk - 6.7
As solid as ever against Erling Haaland, the skipper has been faultless so far this season, and shows no signs of declining. Could have maybe done a bit more to stop Haaland's goal, but that might be harsh.
Milos Kerkez - 6.5
Didn't struggle against Iliman Ndiaye and enjoyed a good first half. Got in some good positions going forward but his teammates failed to find him on occasion.
Ryan Gravenberch - 6.7
Started the first half well with some smart touches and powerful running. Took a bit too long to release the ball at times but the Dutch midfielder looked full of confidence. The red card changed the game, but the referee's first yellow was a terrible decision.
Alexis Mac Allister - 6.6
As combative as ever and got stuck in often during the first half. Played some nice long balls to Victor Munoz and put the Reds on the front foot. Did as best as he could following Gravenberch's dismissal.
Victor Munoz - 6.8
Gave Nico O'Reily a tough first half and did lots of running in behind, which caused the fullback issues. Won a few freekicks and was Liverpool's most dangerous player. He's been the Reds' signing of the summer, truth be told (Jacquet was signed in January).
Florian Wirtz - 6.4
The German took a few heavy first touches but was smart with his movement and passing. Showed some good moments but is still finding his form.
Bradley Barcola - 6.3
Could've done more against Matheus Nunes in the first half, and was at times a bit too casual on the ball when the Reds had the opportunity to be more direct. Worked hard defensively.
Lewis Koumas - 6.6
Did exactly what was expected of him, pressed, worked hard and gave the City back line lots of headaches. The young striker is still a raw talent, but there are glimpses of moments where you can see the player he may become.
Substitutes
Trey Nyoni - 6.4 (66')
Wasn't able to impact the game following Gravenberch's dismissal, but kept the ball nicely
Jeremie Frimpong - 6.2 (75')
Cherki embarrassed him for the third, and again wasn't given enough time to impact the game
Rio Ngumoha - 6.3 (75')
Not enough time on the pitch to try drive the Reds forward. Should've come on after the second goal.
Federico Chiesa - N/A (88')
Joe Gomez - N/A (88')
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