Three things we learned after Liverpool’s late defeat to Manchester City
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Three Things We Learned After Liverpool’s Late Defeat to Manchester City
In a thrilling Premier League clash at Anfield on February 8, 2026, Manchester City staged a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Liverpool, snatching all three points with late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland. Dominik Szoboszlai had given the Reds a 74th-minute lead via a stunning swerving free-kick that left Gianluigi Donnarumma helpless.[1][2][3]
1. City's Resilience Shines in Crucial Moments
Pep Guardiola's side dominated possession but struggled to break down Liverpool's resilient defense early on. Alisson Becker denied Haaland twice in the first half, and Mohamed Salah came close for the hosts. However, after Szoboszlai's opener, City responded fiercely: Silva volleyed in Haaland's flick-on in the 84th minute for his first league goal of the season, then Haaland converted a 90+3' penalty after Alisson fouled Matheus Nunes. Donnarumma's match-winning save on Alexis Mac Allister proved pivotal, while Rayan Cherki's stoppage-time goal was ruled out amid chaos, leading to Szoboszlai's red card for pulling Haaland's shirt and denying a goalscoring opportunity.[1][2][3][4][5]
2. Liverpool's Lead-Holding Woes Persist
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool sit sixth with 39 points (11-6-8), five behind fourth-placed Manchester United. This marks their fourth 90th-minute concession this season—joint-most in a single Premier League campaign. Despite Salah's threats and Szoboszlai's brilliance, they couldn't hold the lead, echoing recent struggles since losing defending champion confidence. The defeat ends hopes of a strong run, with boos greeting City's control.[3][4][5]
3. Title Race Heats Up for City
Haaland's cool penalty—his second league goal since Christmas and first at Anfield—keeps City (15-5-5, 50 points) six points behind leaders Arsenal (+27 GD), achieving their first league double over Liverpool since 1936/37. Guardiola's men, second outright, host Fulham next to close the gap further. For Liverpool, it's a setback in a tough season.[1][3][4][5][6]
This chaotic Anfield thriller (300 words) underscores City's big-game mentality and Liverpool's fragility under pressure.