Liverpool 1-2 Man City: Haaland Penalty Seals Dramatic Comeback Amid Chaos

Anfield, February 8, 2026 – Manchester City staged a thrilling late comeback to defeat Liverpool 2-1 in a chaotic Premier League clash, keeping their title hopes alive by closing to within six points of leaders Arsenal.[1][2][3]

The match was a tense affair from the start. City nearly led early when Bernardo Silva fed Erling Haaland, but Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker denied him twice in the first half. Despite City's possession dominance—greeted with boos from the Anfield crowd—Liverpool defended resiliently, with Mohamed Salah going close after a deflection and a lob onto the net.[1][2]

Dominik Szoboszlai's stunner gave the reigning champions hope in the 74th minute. The Hungarian midfielder unleashed a 30-yard free-kick that flew into the top corner, putting Liverpool 1-0 up and echoing his earlier long-range efforts.[1][3][4]

City responded ferociously. In the 84th minute, Bernardo Silva volleyed home Haaland's knockdown through Alisson's legs for his first league goal of the season, leveling the score.[1][2][3] Minutes later, chaos ensued: Alisson fouled Matheus Nunes in the box, earning a penalty. Haaland, ending a goal drought with his first at Anfield since 2003, coolly converted in stoppage time (93rd minute) for the winner—his second Premier League strike since Christmas.[1][3][4]

Drama peaked in added time. Rayan Cherki's halfway-line lob appeared to seal a 3-1 win, but a tussle with Szoboszlai led to VAR intervention: Cherki's goal disallowed and Szoboszlai shown a bizarre red card. Gianluigi Donnarumma then saved from Alexis Mac Allister.[2][3][4][6]

Pep Guardiola's side secured their first league win at Anfield with fans since 2003 and a rare double over Liverpool since 1936/37. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, drop to 11-6-8 (39 points), four behind fifth-placed Chelsea and facing Champions League peril. City rise to 14-5-5 (47 points).[1][2][5]

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