The Liverpool vs Man City clash at Anfield delivered one of the most brutal and decisive nights of the Premier League season, as Manchester City produced a late comeback to beat Liverpool 2-1 and slash Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table.
In a match defined by tension, momentum swings, and late drama, Erling Haaland finally broke his Anfield draught, converting a 93rd-minute penalty to hand City all three points and keep their title hopes alive. Liverpool, who had been minutes away from a statement win, were instead left staring at another damaging setback in a season slipping out of control.
Liverpool vs Man City: Szoboszlai stuns Anfield before City respond
The Liverpool vs Man City contest began at a ferocious tempo, with both sides aware of the stakes. Liverpool struck first in spectacular fashion through Dominik Szoboszlai, who lit up Anfield with a stunning swerving free-kick that beat a motionless Gianluigi Donnarumma.
It was a moment of quality that appeared to set Liverpool on course for a vital victory. City dominated possession for long spells but struggled to turn control into clear chances, while Liverpool threatened on the break, feeding off the energy of the crowd.
For large periods, Liverpool looked comfortable managing City’s threat. But that sense of control proved deceptive.
Late collapse exposes Liverpool fragility
As the game wore on, City’s pressure began to tell. Liverpool retreated deeper, and the warning signs became harder to ignore. In the 84th minute, Bernardo Silva arrived unmarked to slide home a volley after Haaland’s header was nodded back across goal, pulling City level and draining the confidence out of Anfield.
The equaliser changed everything. Liverpool’s composure evaporated, while City smelled blood. In stoppage time, Haaland was brought down in the box, and the Norwegian showed ice-cold nerve to dispatch the penalty beyond Alisson Becker, sealing a 93rd-minute winner and his first ever goal at Anfield.
The chaos was not finished. Rayan Cherki briefly thought he had added a third for City, only for VAR to chalk off his effort in a frantic finale. Moments later, Szoboszlai was sent off in the dying seconds, compounding Liverpool’s misery.
Haaland delivers when City need him most
For all the noise around this fixture, the narrative will center on Haaland. The Liverpool vs Man City showdown has often been a frustrating stage for him, but this time he delivered decisively.
His composure from the penalty spot under intense pressure underlined why City continue to trust him in defining moments. The goal not only secured the comeback but also carried major consequences for the title race.
With Arsenal having opened a nine-point lead on Saturday, City’s victory at Anfield cuts that gap back to six points, restoring belief that the race is far from over.
Liverpool vs Man City: What the result means for the Premier League table
The fallout from this Liverpool vs Man City result is severe for the hosts. Liverpool remain sixth, now five points behind Manchester United in fourth, and their margin for error continues to shrink. Losing a home game they were leading late will be viewed internally as a missed opportunity of the highest order.
For City, the win proves crucial. They move outright second, reaffirming themselves as Arsenal’s closest challengers. More importantly, they have shown once again that they can handle the most hostile environments when the pressure peaks.
A defining night in the title and top-four race
This Liverpool vs Man City encounter will be remembered as more than a classic. It may prove decisive. Arsenal remain in control, but City have reminded everyone that they are still capable of delivering ruthless results when it matters most.
Liverpool and Arne Slot, meanwhile, face hard questions. Strong spells count for little if matches cannot be closed out. At this stage of the season, dropped points hurt more than performances heal.
At Anfield, City walked away with belief restored. Liverpool were left with noise, frustration, and a growing sense that this campaign is slipping beyond their grasp.
