Manchester City Score Last-Minute Victory at Liverpool to Keep Title Dreams Alive

2026-02-10 community

Liverpool, 10 February 2026
City’s dramatic 93rd-minute penalty from Haaland secured a crucial 2-1 comeback win at Anfield, marking their first victory there with fans present since 2003. After trailing to Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick, Silva equalised before controversy erupted when Cherki’s goal was disallowed and Szoboszlai received a red card for fouling Haaland, leading to the decisive penalty that keeps City just six points behind Arsenal.

Title Race Momentum Shifts After Anfield Drama

This dramatic victory on 8 February 2026 represents a significant shift in the Premier League title race dynamics [1][2]. Following Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 victory over Sunderland that had extended their lead to nine points, Manchester City faced the daunting prospect of allowing the gap to become potentially insurmountable with only 13 fixtures remaining [previous context]. The Citizens’ triumph at Anfield has now reduced Arsenal’s advantage to six points [1][2][3], breathing new life into what many had feared was becoming a foregone conclusion. This result means Arsenal’s lead has been cut by 3 points in the space of just one matchday, demonstrating how quickly momentum can shift in the closing stages of a title race.

Szoboszlai’s Brilliance Undone by Late Drama

Liverpool appeared to have dealt a potentially fatal blow to City’s title aspirations when Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a spectacular free-kick in the 74th minute [1][2][4]. The Hungarian midfielder’s effort from approximately 27 metres out [5] marked his ninth goal of the campaign [1] and his fourth direct free-kick of the season [4]. The strike left City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma helpless as it swerved past him into the net [6]. However, Szoboszlai’s evening would end in controversy and disappointment, as he would later receive a red card in stoppage time for fouling Erling Haaland during the build-up to City’s disallowed third goal [1][2][7]. This sending-off means the midfielder will miss Liverpool’s upcoming fixture against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on 12 February 2026 [4][8].

Silva and Haaland Complete Remarkable Turnaround

Manchester City’s response to going behind demonstrated the resilience that has defined their recent success under Pep Guardiola [GPT]. Bernardo Silva provided the equaliser in the 84th minute, capitalising on a cross from Rayan Cherki to level the match [2][8]. The Portuguese midfielder, who was later named player of the match [7], spoke of the team’s determination: “I feel the whole team knew before the game if we lost it then the title race was probably over. We felt like we needed to win” [2]. The decisive moment came in the 93rd minute when Erling Haaland converted from the penalty spot after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson fouled Matheus Nunes [1][2][4]. This penalty represented Haaland’s 21st Premier League goal of the season [1] and ensured City’s first victory at Anfield with supporters present since 2003 [1][4].

VAR Controversy Mars Dramatic Conclusion

The match’s climax was overshadowed by a controversial VAR intervention that divided opinion among observers and participants alike [5]. Deep into stoppage time, Rayan Cherki appeared to have scored City’s third goal, but the Video Assistant Referee disallowed the effort due to Haaland’s foul on Szoboszlai during the build-up [1][2][5]. This decision led to Szoboszlai receiving his red card for the subsequent foul on Haaland that prevented him from reaching the ball [5]. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville expressed his frustration with the decision, stating: “You have just killed one of the great moments of the season… I am a fan of VAR, but it has just killed the joy” [5]. Even Haaland acknowledged the controversial nature of the situation, commenting: “I feel bad for him. Just give the goal and not the red card, simple as that” [5]. This incident has added another chapter to the ongoing debate about VAR’s role in football, particularly regarding its impact on the game’s natural flow and excitement.

Bronnen

Premier League Manchester City