In an exhilarating match at Anfield on Sunday, Erling Haaland provided an assist to Bernardo Silva and scored a stoppage-time penalty to lead Manchester City to a 2-1 comeback victory over Liverpool.
The drama heightened in stoppage time when Rayan Cherki appeared to score a third goal for City, only for it to be disallowed due to a foul committed by Haaland on Dominik Szoboszlai. The foul occurred after Szoboszlai had previously fouled Haaland during his pursuit of an empty goal, resulting in a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
WATCH — Liverpool vs. Manchester City full match replay
This victory injects new excitement into the Premier League title race, which seemed to tilt toward Arsenal when Szoboszlai scored a stunning free kick in the 74th minute. However, it was Manchester City who found the magic at Anfield this time.
More updates to follow…
Final Score: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
Goals: Dominik Szoboszlai 74′, Bernardo Silva 84′, Erling Haaland (pen.) 90+4′
Live Updates — By Nick Mendola
Szoboszlai’s Red Card and Man City Free Kick
Man City’s potential goal was negated due to Haaland’s foul on Szoboszlai, who is now facing suspension for the denial of a goal-scoring opportunity foul on Haaland.
Man City Goal Disallowed
Dominik Szoboszlai was shown a red card as a long ball was played over the line.
Haaland got behind Szoboszlai, who pulled Haaland’s arm, leading to the foul.
Incredible Save by Donnarumma
Alexis Mac Allister nearly equalized for Liverpool, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made an unbelievable save, flicking the ball off the goal line.
Erling Haaland’s Penalty Goal — Liverpool 1-2 Man City
Haaland converted a clinical low penalty, placing it past Alisson’s reach.
Penalty Decision for Man City!
Alisson Becker was furious after a challenge on Matheus Nunes, who was sent crashing into the advertising boards while chasing a long pass.
Bernardo Silva’s Goal — Liverpool 1-1 Man City
City responded quickly!
Cherki’s cross found Haaland, who directed it toward goal; Silva, kept onside by Szoboszlai, finished the chance.
Szoboszlai’s Stunning Free Kick — Liverpool 1-0 Man City
Szoboszlai struck an incredible free kick that hit the post and found the back of the net.
Salah Denied a Penalty
Mohamed Salah was brought down outside the box by Guehi after a fast break, but the referee only awarded a free kick and issued a yellow card to Guehi.
Guehi’s Great Stop
Marc Guehi made a crucial block to deny Florian Wirtz a chance to open the scoring in the 65th minute.
Substitutions
Ruben Dias returned from injury to replace Khusanov in the 61st minute, while Marmoush was substituted for Cherki.
Khusanov Injured
Gakpo’s shot flew over the net, but in the process, Donnarumma’s knee collided with Khusanov’s head, leaving him in distress, though he wished to continue. Pep Guardiola decided against it.
City’s Promising Play!
City moved the ball well, with Semenyo needing to make one more pass to set Haaland up, but instead he shot low into Alisson’s hands.
Alisson quickly launched a counter, with Salah delivering a brilliant cross to Hugo Ekitike, who missed the opportunity by nodding the ball wide.
Score: 0-0, 57′.
Liverpool Should Have Scored!
Florian Wirtz retrieved a loose ball from Rodri and set up Ekitike for a curling shot from inside the box, but it drifted past the far post.
No Changes at Halftime
As the second half begins, both teams look for that all-important breakthrough.
Halftime — Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
Neither team was able to find the back of the net, though both sides created chances. City’s front five has been lively, but Liverpool’s defense has held firm.
At halftime, City had 10 shots compared to Liverpool’s 3, with an xG advantage of 1.17 to 0.14 and 61% possession.
Liverpool’s Sloppy Play
While City maintained possession well, they made some mistakes near their 18-yard box. Liverpool’s defenders took chances at the back, keeping the pressure on Alisson.
More Threat from Visitors
City appeared more likely to score, with Haaland’s early attempts thwarted by Alisson and Marmoush missing an offside chance.
Twenty minutes in, Liverpool’s offense has struggled to create clear opportunities.
Liverpool’s Starting XI
Alisson, Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konate, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Gakpo, Salah, Ekitike
Manchester City’s Starting XI
Donnarumma, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Bernardo, O’Reilly, Semenyo, Marmoush, Haaland
Match Preview by Joe Prince-Wright
Defending Premier League champions Liverpool are currently 14 points behind Arsenal. Their goal is to secure a top-four finish, especially after a resounding 4-1 victory over Newcastle last weekend, which hints at their potential to succeed both domestically and in Europe.
Meanwhile, following their 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle to reach the League Cup final, Manchester City faces challenges after conceding a late equalizer last week. They now sit seven points behind the league leaders due to recent defensive injuries.
Liverpool Team News
Jeremie Frimpong will miss this match, while Joe Gomez might return at right back. Szoboszlai may continue in that position to keep Mac Allister in midfield, though several players remain sidelined. New signings Wirtz and Ekitike have shown encouraging progress in recent matches.
Manchester City Team News
Injuries still affect City, with Josko Gvardiol and John Stones out, though Ruben Dias could return. Recent signings Guehi and Semenyo have made significant contributions, filling gaps left by injured players.
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Match Prediction
This encounter promises to be thrilling, with both teams aware of the critical implications for their respective goals. Manchester City is expected to edge out Liverpool, predicting a close finish of Liverpool 2-3 Manchester City.
How to Watch Live
Kick-off: 11:30 AM ET, Sunday (February 8)
Venue: Anfield — Liverpool
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock