By Sneha Santra

Manchester City overturned Liverpool’s wonder goal to secure a dramatic 2-1 win at Anfield. Haaland emerged as a “hero” in the second half for the Man City fans. Szoboszlai’s free-kick electrified Anfield on a higher note, igniting hope for the match.  But, what happened in the last ten minutes was far more shocking and disappointing. 

What went wrong for Liverpool?

Credit: Rousing The Kop

The Reds’ broke the deadlock with an emphatic Dominik Szoboslai free-kick after a very sluggish run for nearly 73 minutes. Liverpool created multiple chances through Mohammed Salah, Hugo Ekitike and Szoboszlai however failed to convert into tangible scoring opportunities before the magic moment. However, Manchester City took it as an opportunity and capitalised late with Bernando Silva’s tap-in and Erling Haaland's stoppage time penalty to turn the result on it's head. Liverpool’s momentum lasted briefly, due to lack of structure and attacking power. 

City Turned The Tide

Credit: The Irish Independent

City dominated early and there is no denying it at all!  Despite being unable to capitalise on the first half's dominance, Silva's goal to draw the game level and Haaland's penalty showed how well City seized great short chances when they were under pressure. Manchester City targeted gaps created by Liverpool in the  second-half, turning Liverpool’s intensity against them.  The key moment came when Cherki of Man city arrived, his clever cross set up for Haaland to knock down for B.Silva gave the visitors the equaliser they deserved. Pep Guardiola’s decision soon proved to be the match-winner. In a nutshell, Liverpool’s high pressing and urgency left defensive transitions exposed, allowing the city to counter-attack decisively. 

Shirt Pull Controversy

Credit: Liverpool.com

Liverpool’s victory was dashed not by Manchester City’s comeback, but also by a controversial referee decision. In the dying moments, Liverpool’s Szoboszlai pulled Haaland back outside the box, an action that led to a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Cherki’s effort for Manchester City was reviewed by referee Craig Pawson and VAR to see if the goal should stand, sparking debate. Haaland was deemed to have pulled Szoboszlai, and the goal was denied, yet the red card stood.

Haaland expressed his own frustrations, saying:

It is important to note that the suspension for a denial of a goal scoring opportunity is 1-game, not 3. This leaves Liverpool with very few options in the already shallow pool of right-back options ahead of Wednesday's trip to Sunderland.

Verdict

The Reds’ were overshadowed by Manchester City’s patience, clinical finishing, and ability to exploit gaps in transition. Controversial moments, including the Guehi shirt tug on Mohammed Salah and VAR review, added to Liverpool’s frustration, leaving Slot’s side reflecting on what could have been.  Anfield carried hope, excitement and sheer belief in the Reds, until Manchester City showed up with patience, precision, and stole their very chance to prove themselves at home.