Erling Haaland’s stoppage-time penalty sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for Manchester City over Liverpool on Sunday, closing the gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League to just six points.
City looked set to suffer defeat at Anfield with only six minutes remaining, but Bernardo Silva’s late equalizer from Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick ignited a thrilling finish. Haaland then put City ahead from the penalty spot, and Liverpool were reduced to 10 men after a VAR review saw Szoboszlai sent off for a foul during the same incident.
This victory marked City’s first away win at Liverpool in front of a crowd since 2003 and increased pressure on Arsenal in their quest for a first league title in 22 years. The defeat dealt another blow to Liverpool’s Champions League hopes, leaving them six points adrift of the top five.
Although these two clubs have dominated English football in recent years, both showed flaws that have allowed Arsenal to potentially end their long wait for the title.
Haaland’s struggles and late drama
Haaland has struggled with his form recently, scoring just once from open play in his last 13 games. His lack of confidence was evident early on, missing a golden chance within the opening two minutes when a clever pass from Silva split the Liverpool defence. Under pressure from Milos Kerkez, Haaland’s shot lacked conviction, allowing Alisson Becker to make a low save.
City continued to press, registering 10 attempts in the first half but failing to break the deadlock. Their second-half slump, a recurring theme this season, continued until a late surge ignited their title challenge.
Liverpool’s missed opportunities
Liverpool were unlucky not to take the lead just before the hour mark when Hugo Ekitike misjudged a header after a rapid counter-attack. The game had an added layer of tension due to the animosity toward Marc Guehi, whose move to Liverpool from Crystal Palace had collapsed on transfer deadline day. Guehi was booed relentlessly by the Anfield crowd.
Guehi’s frustrations boiled over when he was lucky to escape a red card for a foul on Mo Salah just outside the box. Liverpool were further aggrieved when Ryan Gravenberch was awarded a free-kick after minimal contact, which eventually led to Szoboszlai’s brilliant opener. The Hungarian’s free-kick, which clipped the inside of the post before finding the net, had initially seemed like it might secure all three points for Liverpool.
A stunning turn of events
But City refused to give in. Six minutes from time, Silva volleyed home Haaland’s header to level the score. Moments later, a foul on Matheus Nunes inside the box led to a penalty for City, which Haaland confidently converted.
Liverpool nearly pulled off a last-minute equalizer when Alisson ventured forward during a corner kick, leaving the goal open for Rayan Cherki to take aim from the halfway line. However, Haaland and Szoboszlai were involved in a tangle as the ball trickled toward the goal, and after a VAR review, the goal was ruled out. Instead, City were awarded a free-kick, and Szoboszlai was sent off for his involvement in the incident.
This dramatic finale at Anfield delivered a vital three points for Pep Guardiola’s side, reigniting their title hopes while dealing a significant blow to Liverpool’s own ambitions. With the win, City narrowed the gap to Arsenal and reaffirmed their position as contenders for the Premier League crown. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League continue to dwindle.
