Manchester City’s Erling Haaland converted a stoppage-time penalty to give his side a 2-1 win at Liverpool on Sunday, narrowing the gap with Premier League leaders Arsenal to six points and breathing new life into the title race.
The Norwegian striker’s 21st league goal of the season capped a thrilling comeback. Dominik Szoboszlai had put Liverpool ahead with a stunning free kick in the 74th minute, only for Bernardo Silva to equalise late before Haaland’s decisive spot-kick.
City had been facing a nine-point deficit, but the victory keeps Pep Guardiola’s team firmly in contention for the title. Liverpool slumped to sixth place, now 11 points behind City. Szoboszlai also received a red card for denying Haaland a late goal-scoring opportunity.
The visitors dominated early possession, silencing the Anfield crowd. Haaland nearly opened the scoring in the second minute when Silva played him through, but Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson sprinted off his line to smother the attempt.
City’s January signing Marc Guehi received a hostile reception from the Liverpool fans, who booed every touch of the ball. The reaction was a reminder of his failed summer move from Crystal Palace to Anfield. Despite the hostility, Guehi remained composed, thwarting dangerous attacks from Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool failed to register a shot on target in the first half.
Towards the end of the opening period, Salah went down in the box after Silva tugged at him during a set piece, calling for a penalty. Neither the referee nor VAR spotted any infringement, leaving the match goalless at halftime.
Liverpool emerged strongly after the break, firing four shots in 11 minutes as the Anfield crowd roared. Ekitike missed two clear opportunities, and Szoboszlai tested City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before producing a moment of brilliance with a curling free kick that beat the Italian to give Liverpool the lead.
City responded swiftly. Ten minutes later, Haaland headed a cross over the defence for Silva to score from close range, setting up a tense finish. The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Haaland was brought down in the box and confidently converted the penalty to seal the victory.
The win marks a crucial step for Manchester City in the title race, keeping pressure on Arsenal as the season enters its final stretch. Liverpool, meanwhile, must regroup after a disappointing result at home, with defensive lapses and missed chances costing them valuable points.
With six points separating City from Arsenal and momentum swinging back to Guardiola’s side, the Premier League race promises high drama in the coming weeks.
