Match Report: Szoboszlai sees red as Liverpool lose to Man City | OneFootball

Liverpool 1-2 Man City: Late Drama Keeps Premier League Race Alive

Liverpool fell to a 2-1 defeat against Man City in a contest that swung sharply in the closing stages and carried major Premier League consequences. The visitors left Anfield with a result that tightens the title picture, while the home side were left to rue a frantic finale that featured goals, a penalty, and a late dismissal.

For long periods, the match had the feel of a tactical arm wrestle. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, sought to control territory and tempo, while Man City probed patiently, waiting for moments to break through. The first half ended 0-0, with both sides organised and compact, neither willing to offer cheap space in central areas.

Szoboszlai Sparks Hope for Liverpool

The breakthrough arrived in the 74th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai bent in a superb free kick to give Liverpool the lead. It was a strike worthy of the occasion, clean contact, confident execution, and the sort of moment that usually tilts a tight Premier League fixture towards the hosts.

Anfield responded as expected, the crowd sensing a valuable three points against one of their main domestic rivals. Liverpool’s shape remained aggressive without losing its discipline, and for a brief spell it looked as though the match had been settled by a single moment of quality.

Photo: IMAGO

Man City’s Ruthless Response

Man City had other ideas. Bernardo Silva levelled in the 84th minute after sustained pressure, restoring parity and shifting momentum decisively. The equaliser reflected City’s persistence and their capacity to punish any lapse late in games of this magnitude.

Deep into added time, the decisive moment arrived. Matheus Nunes was brought down inside the penalty area by Alisson, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Erling Haaland converted with authority in the 90+3 minute, registering his 21st Premier League goal of the season and completing a dramatic turnaround.

City were not finished creating headlines. Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a sharp save to deny Alexis Mac Allister, preserving the lead at a critical juncture. Moments later, Rayan Cherki had the ball in the net from distance with Alisson advanced, but the effort was ruled out after a VAR review.

Late Red Card Adds to Liverpool Frustration

The VAR check instead resulted in a red card for Szoboszlai for denying Haaland, compounding Liverpool’s frustration at the end of a match that had slipped away in minutes. The dismissal capped a chaotic finale that underlined how quickly elite contests can pivot.

For Man City, the 2-1 victory at Anfield marked their first win at the ground since 2021, and their first there in front of supporters since 2003. More importantly, it trimmed Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to six points with 13 games remaining, ensuring the title race remains very much alive.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will reflect on a performance that contained structure and quality, yet ultimately yielded nothing. Against Man City, small margins carry heavy consequences, and this was another reminder that late-game control often defines the outcome in the Premier League’s most demanding fixtures.