Haaland stoppage time penalty keeps Manchester City title hopes alive at Anfield

Manchester City produce dramatic late comeback to stun Liverpool

Erling Haaland struck deep into stoppage time as Manchester City secured a chaotic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, keeping their Premier League title challenge alive.

City appeared on course for defeat after Dominik Szoboszlai’s long-range strike gave Liverpool a late lead, but Bernardo Silva equalised before Haaland converted a decisive penalty in added time. The dramatic win cuts Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the table and gives Pep Guardiola’s side renewed momentum in the title race.

Szoboszlai brilliance looks set to decide tense encounter

Both sides produced a tense and physical contest with limited clear chances throughout much of the match. Manchester City controlled possession for long spells, but Liverpool defended with resilience and threatened through quick transitions.

City striker Haaland was denied twice in the first half by goalkeeper Alisson Becker as the visitors struggled to turn their territorial dominance into goals. Liverpool also created opportunities, with Mohamed Salah seeing one effort deflected wide before sending another attempt onto the roof of the net following uncertainty from City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute through Szoboszlai. The midfielder, operating in an unfamiliar right-back role, produced a stunning 30-yard free kick that flew straight through the defensive wall and past Donnarumma, seemingly putting Liverpool on course for a crucial victory.

Chaotic finale sees City snatch victory

The closing minutes produced remarkable drama. Szoboszlai was initially involved in a bizarre moment when he chased Rayan Cherki’s long-range effort alongside Haaland with Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson caught upfield. After a VAR review, referee Craig Pawson ruled Szoboszlai had denied a goalscoring opportunity and issued a red card, further intensifying the match’s dramatic conclusion.

Liverpool appeared set to hold on, but City found a lifeline with just minutes remaining. Haaland knocked down a cross inside the penalty area for Bernardo Silva, who volleyed the ball through Alisson’s legs to equalise.

Moments later, Matheus Nunes was brought down by Alisson inside the box, giving City a penalty. Haaland stepped up under immense pressure and calmly converted the spot kick to secure a crucial victory for Guardiola’s side.

The result gives Manchester City their first league win at Anfield in front of a full crowd since 2003 and ensures the Premier League title race remains wide open heading into the final stretch of the season.