City smash Liverpool in Reds' 1st match as Premier League champions

Liverpool's first match as Premier League champions ended in defeat as Manchester City cruised to a 4-0 victory Thursday at the Etihad Stadium.

Jurgen Klopp's men had over a week to prepare for the trip to Manchester after clinching Liverpool's 9th top-flight title on June 25. The Reds looked uncharacteristically sluggish despite the extended break, which undoubtedly included plenty of celebrating.

Liverpool appeared to struggle with fatigue early, which proved costly in an opening 45 minutes that saw Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden all score to give the hosts a commanding 3-0 lead.

City put the match away shortly after halftime when Sterling finished a lovely dribbling display by firing a shot that deflected off Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into his own net.

City players performed a guard of honor for the newly crowned champions before the match.

It was just the second loss of the season for Liverpool, who will look to rebound from the heavy defeat Sunday against Aston Villa. City will visit Southampton the same day.