A late penalty by Erling Haaland secured a vital 2-1 win for Manchester City against Liverpool at Anfield, in a match that saw the Premier League title race intensify. The dramatic turnaround kept City within touching distance of the league leaders, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure even when not at their peak. The result leaves Liverpool in sixth place, with City now six points behind Arsenal.
Match Overview and Key Moments
The fixture at Anfield was a tightly contested affair. Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring for Liverpool with a powerful free-kick, a goal widely considered to be a potential match-winner. However, Bernardo Silva leveled the score for Manchester City in the 84th minute, setting the stage for a tense finish. In added time, Erling Haaland converted a penalty after a VAR review, sealing the victory for the visitors. Earlier in the match, a goal by Rayan Cherki for Liverpool was disallowed following a VAR check, and Dominik Szoboszlai was shown a red card for a challenge on Haaland.
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Context of the Title Race
This victory holds significant weight in the ongoing Premier League title battle. Prior to this match, Pep Guardiola had suggested that a loss at Anfield could potentially put Manchester City out of contention for the title. This statement underscored the importance of the fixture, especially considering City's recent inconsistent form, which included a five-game losing streak across all competitions and three consecutive league defeats, conceding 14 goals during that period.
Manchester City's recent struggles included a significant loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
The team's away record at Anfield has historically been challenging, with only two Premier League wins in 26 visits.
Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool's manager at the time, had closely matched head-to-head records, though Guardiola's win at Anfield had been singular.
Liverpool's Missed Opportunity
The match presented Liverpool with an opportunity to capitalize on their lead and further solidify their position. However, the team was unable to maintain their advantage after Szoboszlai's opening goal. This inability to hold onto a lead against a major rival has been a recurring theme for Liverpool this season.
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The defeat occurred amidst speculation surrounding Arne Slot's tenure and the team's performance.
The article mentions Marc Guéhi as a player whose potential move to Liverpool did not materialize, highlighting a perceived need for defensive reinforcement.
Tactical Considerations and Player Performances
The game featured several critical junctures that influenced the outcome. Liverpool's initial lead, while deserved based on Szoboszlai's striking ability, was ultimately insufficient. Manchester City's resilience and ability to find crucial goals, particularly late in the game, proved decisive.
| Team | Score | Goal Scorer | Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 1 | Dominik Szoboszlai | Unknown | Free-kick |
| Manchester City | 1 | Bernardo Silva | 84' | Open Play |
| Manchester City | 2 | Erling Haaland | 90'+3 | Penalty |
The disallowed goal for Liverpool by Rayan Cherki under VAR review adds another layer to the match's chaotic nature.
Dominik Szoboszlai's red card, stemming from a foul on Haaland, further impacted Liverpool's ability to respond in the closing moments.
Analysis of Title Race Dynamics
The victory at Anfield significantly impacts the Premier League title race. Manchester City, by closing the gap to six points, have kept their hopes alive. This result contrasts with prior discussions about the title being potentially out of reach for City if they had lost.
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Manchester City's remaining fixtures are noted, with their opponents averaging fewer points this season, suggesting a potentially favorable run-in.
Arsenal still holds an advantage in terms of home fixtures, which could play a role in the final standings.
Expert Commentary
"When it rains for Slot and Liverpool this season, it pours." – ESPN analysis
"Pep Guardiola has suggested that if Liverpool beat Manchester City at Anfield next weekend his team could already be out of the Premier League title race." – ESPN
Conclusion
The match at Anfield proved to be a pivotal moment in the Premier League season. Manchester City's late comeback, culminating in Erling Haaland's penalty, not only secured three crucial points but also reignited their title aspirations. Liverpool, despite taking the lead, could not hold on, a result that underscores their challenges in converting leads against top opponents. The victory emphasizes City's tenacity and their capacity to overcome difficult away fixtures, while also highlighting the fine margins that define a title race. The implications of this result will likely resonate throughout the remainder of the season, impacting the competitive landscape at the top of the league.
Sources:
BBC Sport: Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City: Erling Haaland scores late penalty winner at Anfield
Published: 1 day ago
Context: Provides a detailed match report focusing on key moments, player performances, and the immediate impact on the title race.
ESPN: Man City's comeback thriller vs. Liverpool keeps Premier League title race alive
Published: 16 hours ago
Link: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story//id/47868085/man-city-comeback-thriller-vs-liverpool-keeps-premier-league-title-race-alive
Context: Offers an analysis of the match's significance for the title race and includes commentary on Liverpool's season.
The Telegraph: Man City complete chaotic comeback to reignite title race
Published: 1 day ago
Link: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2026/02/08/liverpool-vs-manchester-city-live-premier-league-score/
Context: A live match report, providing a chronological account of events during the game, including score updates and notable occurrences.
ESPN: Guardiola: Man City could be out of title race with Anfield loss
Published: Nov 23, 2024
Link: https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story//id/42567207/guardiola-man-city-of-title-race-anfield-loss
Context: Features pre-match comments from Pep Guardiola regarding the critical nature of the Anfield fixture for Manchester City's title ambitions, and discusses the team's preceding poor form.
Premier League: Title race: Is it now Man City's to lose?
Published: Apr 18, 2024
Context: An analysis of the Premier League title race, examining remaining fixtures and team standings, relevant to understanding the broader context of City's victory.
Premier League: Can Man City improve poor record at bogey ground Anfield?
Published: Mar 6, 2024
Context: Explores Manchester City's historical difficulties playing at Anfield, providing statistical background on their performance at the venue.
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