Erling Haaland struck deep into stoppage time as Manchester City produced a dramatic late turnaround to beat Liverpool at Anfield and keep the Premier League title race alive.
Haaland’s 93rd-minute penalty capped a pulsating finish and earned City a memorable victory on Merseyside. The result trimmed Arsenal’s advantage at the top to six points with 13 matches still to play, handing Pep Guardiola’s second-placed side fresh belief in their pursuit of the title.
The decisive moment arrived in added time when Matheus Nunes was bundled over inside the box by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. Referee Craig Pawson immediately pointed to the spot, and Haaland showed trademark composure to convert, scoring his 21st Premier League goal of the season and sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Moments earlier, City had dragged themselves level through Bernardo Silva, whose 84th-minute strike cancelled out a superb free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian had broken the deadlock in the 74th minute with a thunderous effort from around 30 yards that swerved inside the post, leaving City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma rooted to the spot.
City dominated possession throughout the first half but were wasteful, with Alisson denying Haaland twice and the visitors lacking a clinical edge despite sustained pressure. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, grew into the contest after the break and looked increasingly dangerous, with Hugo Ekitike twice going close as the home side sensed an opening.
As the game opened up, chances arrived at both ends. Ruben Dias tested Liverpool’s defence, while at the other end Florian Wirtz was denied by a crucial block from Marc Guehi. When Szoboszlai finally struck, it seemed Liverpool might hold on once again at Anfield.
Instead, City showed resilience and belief. After Haaland’s decisive penalty, Donnarumma made a brilliant late save to deny Alexis Mac Allister. City even had the ball in the net again through Rayan Cherki, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out and instead sending off Szoboszlai for a foul on Haaland.
It mattered little in the end. City secured their first league win at Anfield since 2021, and their first in front of supporters since 2003. It also completed a rare league double over Liverpool, achieved for the first time since the 1936-37 season, and ensured Guardiola would leave Anfield with a win to remember.
