Erling Haaland secured a thrilling 2-1 victory for Manchester City with a stoppage-time penalty against Liverpool, narrowing Arsenal’s Premier League lead to six points. City faced a potential loss at Anfield until Bernardo Silva equalized Szoboszlai’s impressive free-kick, leading to a dramatic turnaround. Haaland’s penalty, a disallowed goal, and Szoboszlai’s red card after VAR intervention added to the intense match.
The win marked City’s first away victory at Liverpool with fans since 2003, adding pressure to Arsenal’s pursuit of their first league title in over two decades. Liverpool’s defeat further dimmed their hopes for Champions League qualification, as they lag in sixth place, four points behind the top five teams. Despite their recent dominance in the league, both City and Liverpool displayed vulnerabilities that could benefit Arsenal in their title bid.
Haaland, who has struggled to score from open play recently, missed a crucial opportunity early in the game, reflecting a rare lack of confidence. City’s persistent attacking efforts in the first half were thwarted by Alisson Becker’s saves. The match saw a back-and-forth struggle, with City’s late resurgence salvaging their championship aspirations.
A controversial free-kick awarded to Liverpool resulted in Szoboszlai’s stunning goal, but his pivotal role in City’s equalizer shifted the momentum. Haaland’s composure from the penalty spot secured City’s lead, while a late disallowed goal due to a foul and Szoboszlai’s dismissal added to the match’s drama. The intense clash culminated in a tense finale, including a crucial save by Donnarumma and a disallowed long-range attempt by Liverpool, ultimately solidifying City’s hard-fought victory.
