Erling Haaland played a crucial role in keeping Manchester City in contention for the title by converting a last-minute penalty, leading Pep Guardiola’s team to a 2-1 comeback victory in a thrilling conclusion.
After struggling to find the net for three games, the Norwegian striker netted only his second Premier League goal since Christmas—and his first at Anfield—securing City’s first win here in front of fans since 2003.
The match’s finish took a strange turn as Haaland, along with Dominik Szoboszlai, chased a shot by Rayan Cherki from inside their own half while goalkeeper Alisson Becker was upfield seeking an equalizer.
During this sequence, Szoboszlai pulled on Haaland, who reciprocated by tugging Szoboszlai back just as the ball crossed the line.
After a VAR review, referee Craig Pawson concluded that Haaland was denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, leading to the disallowed goal, a free-kick awarded 30 yards out, and Szoboszlai’s red card.
With six minutes left on the clock, it seemed the title race was edging away as Szoboszlai’s brilliant free-kick appeared to give a significant benefit to leaders Arsenal.
However, Bernardo Silva volleyed home Haaland’s header, slipping the ball through Alisson’s legs. Alisson then fouled Matheus Nunes, setting the stage for Haaland to cut the gap to six points in Arsenal’s lead.
For Liverpool, the match followed a familiar pattern, as they failed to maintain a lead established in the 74th minute by another stunning 30-yard free-kick from Szoboszlai.
A two-man wall was unable to withstand his powerful shot, which swerved to leave the towering Gianluigi Donnarumma unable to react.
Szoboszlai has a knack for delivering during significant matches, having previously scored a similar goal to defeat the Gunners in August.
However, that was when Arne Slot’s squad was full of confidence as defending champions, a spirit that has waned since.
Bernardo Silva’s first league goal this season provided a boost for City, and when Alisson fouled Nunes, Haaland made sure to capitalize.
Before this, Haaland had struggled to break his scoring drought, with Alisson thwarting him twice in the first half, setting the tone for City’s dominance, which lacked genuine threat, while the home side defended with exceptional resilience not often seen this season.
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City’s control of the game was met with boos, particularly aimed at Marc Guéhi, who could have been in red if the summer transfer window had unfolded differently.
Despite holding territorial advantage, Guardiola’s team struggled to create chances, while Liverpool saw Mohamed Salah deflect a shot wide off Guehi’s leg and later hit the roof of the net after Donnarumma mishandled a cross from Szoboszlai.
There was a moment of concern for City when Bernardo Silva’s minor contact with Salah in the penalty area raised eyebrows, indicating a decline in their confidence during the second half.
Florian Wirtz, who had previously struggled for influence in the game, began seeing the ball more often, yet it was Szoboszlai, playing as a makeshift right-back, who managed the first shot on target for his team after 52 minutes. Hugo Ekitike then bent a shot wide before heading off-target when scoring seemed certain.
City lost Abdukodir Khusanov to a concussion caused by his own goalkeeper, but attention shifted to his defensive partner Guehi, who deflected Wirtz’s attempt away and was shown a yellow card for pulling back Salah just outside the area.
Salah’s free-kick sailed over the Kop, but Szoboszlai soon showed the way with his sensational strike.
This moment felt worthy of a winning goal, yet Bernardo Silva and Haaland had other plans.