By Noble Atsu
Erling Haaland struck a decisive stoppage-time penalty as Manchester City produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat Liverpool 2–1 at Anfield, keeping their Premier League title hopes alive.
Liverpool had looked on course for victory after Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, igniting the home crowd and putting the hosts firmly in control for much of the contest.
However, Pep Guardiola’s side mounted sustained pressure in the closing stages and turned the match around in remarkable fashion.
City drew level in the 84th minute through Bernardo Silva, who finished clinically following a prolonged spell of attacking dominance. Moments later, controversy erupted when Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker brought down Matheus Nunes in the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot kick after consultation.
Haaland calmly converted the penalty in stoppage time to give City a 2–1 lead, silencing the Anfield crowd and completing the visitors’ comeback.
The closing moments of the match were frenetic. Liverpool pressed desperately for an equaliser, but City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a fine save to deny Alexis Mac Allister.
Further drama followed as Szoboszlai was shown a red card after a lengthy VAR review, while Rayan Cherki saw a potential third goal for City ruled out following another video check.
The victory sees Manchester City cut the gap on league leaders Arsenal to six points, ensuring the title race remains competitive.
Liverpool, now under the management of Arne Slot, remains four points adrift of fifth-placed Chelsea and faces an uphill task in their bid to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
