Erling Haaland struck a stoppage-time penalty to hand Manchester City a dramatic 2–1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, cutting Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to six points and reigniting the title race.
Szoboszlai Opens Scoring As City Hit Back
Liverpool looked set for a crucial home win after Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with a superbly struck free kick.
The lead lasted only minutes. City responded with urgency as Haaland turned provider, slipping a pass through for captain Bernardo Silva, who fired the equaliser past Alisson Becker.
Late Penalty Decides Dramatic Contest
The decisive moment came deep into added time when Matheus Nunes was brought down in the penalty area by Alisson. After a brief delay, Haaland stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, completing City’s late turnaround.
Pep Guardiola hailed the contest as “a brilliant advert for the League,” praising Szoboszlai’s opener and his side’s resilience.
“After that goal, led by our captain Bernardo, we found a way back,” he said.
VAR Drama After Final Goal
There was further controversy in the dying moments when Rayan Cherki appeared to score from near the halfway line after Alisson had pushed forward.
As the ball rolled toward goal, Haaland and Szoboszlai sprinted back while grappling. Following a VAR review, the referee disallowed the goal, awarded City a free kick, and sent off Szoboszlai for pulling Haaland’s shirt.
Premier League Table Implications
The win lifts Manchester City to second place on 50 points, strengthening their title push. Liverpool remain sixth with 39 points, their hopes of climbing the table dented by a costly late collapse.
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