Late goals are destroying Liverpool's season and solution isn't obvious

Late Goals Are Destroying Liverpool's Season – And the Solution Isn't Obvious

In a heartbreaking Anfield thriller on February 8, 2026, Manchester City edged Liverpool 2-1 with late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland's penalty, exposing Liverpool's recurring vulnerability to stoppage-time collapses that are derailing their season[1].

City dominated early, controlling possession and pinning Liverpool back. Haaland was denied by Alisson in the opening minute, while City's front three—Haaland, Semenyo, and Marmoush—probed relentlessly but lacked finishing edge. Liverpool struggled, taking 25 minutes for their first shot, though Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah sparked improvement post-halftime[1].

The second half ignited with Liverpool pressing. Ekitike nearly scored twice—a right-footed shot skimmed wide, then a header from Salah's cross froze Donnarumma. Breakthrough came in the 74th minute: Dominik Szoboszlai's swerving 30-yard free-kick rocketed into the top corner, his ninth goal of the season and an Anfield stunner echoing his Arsenal strike. The Kop erupted, sensing victory[1].

But late drama defined the match. Liverpool pushed forward, even committing Alisson upfield. Rayan Cherki's lob from midfield hit the net with Alisson stranded, but VAR ruled it out after spotting Szoboszlai's foul on Haaland in buildup—earning the Hungarian a red card and suspension for the Sunderland clash. Reduced to 10 men, Liverpool crumbled as City struck twice late: Silva's equalizer and Haaland's penalty sealing a 2-1 win[1].

This loss highlights Liverpool's season-long plague: conceding decisive goals in the dying minutes, undermining Arne Slot's European push. Despite Salah's creativity and Szoboszlai's magic, defensive fragility persists. Solutions like tactical tweaks or squad bolstering remain elusive amid mounting pressure[1].

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