Erling Haaland finally break him Anfield curse in dramatic fashion as Manchester City come from behind beat Liverpool 2-1, keep Premier League title race fully alive.
With pressure dey on Pep Guardiola and him boys to respond after Arsenal hammer Sunderland 3-0 the previous day, City no waste time at all. From first whistle, dem burst enter the game, pin Liverpool back for almost the first 30 minutes.
Plenty of that early dominance come from Liverpool own mistakes, as the Reds dey sloppy for buildup and decision-making. Still, City no fit turn that early pressure to goal, and na that miss chances almost cost dem.
As first half dey go on, Arne Slot men gradually settle into the game and begin test City defence small-small, though clear chances still hard to come by.
Liverpool second-half pressing be relentless, and dem finally get reward in spectacular style. Dominik Szoboszlai, wey don build reputation as set-piece specialist, step up once again and fire unbelievable free kick from distance to put the hosts ahead.
Anfield erupt. Game tense. Pressure everywhere.
But Manchester City no be champions for nothing.
Bernardo Silva equalise sharply for the visitors not long after, before late drama scatter everywhere as Alisson Becker concede penalty in dying minutes. Erling Haaland step up, calm as ice, and bury the spot-kick to spark wild celebration for the away end.
Rayan Cherki even think say he don seal the game with late goal for the 100th minute, but chaos follow. The goal get cancelled after VAR check, Szoboszlai get red card for pulling Haaland back, and confusion take over Anfield.
More than two hours after kickoff, City finally hold on for outrageous win. The result keep dem six points behind Arsenal, while Liverpool remain five points away from top four.
TPB Verdict
What really happen here?
Liverpool start the game careless and disorganised, and dem lucky say City no punish dem early. But once the Reds wake up, dem response sharp and effective.
Szoboszlai, amid talk of massive contract extension, make strong case for himself with world-class free kick. Sadly for him, the night turn sour fast.
Two defensive errors from Liverpool open the door for City comeback, and once that door open, Pep Guardiola side no hesitate enter.
The VAR madness at the end go dominate headlines, and rightly so. Many go ask whether common sense suppose override strict rule interpretation for that incident.
But remove all that drama, today na Manchester City day. Dem show champion mentality and make it clear say Arsenal no go stroll to title without serious fight.
Liverpool vs Man City Highlights
Hugo Ekitike Miss vs Man City (56th min, Liverpool 0-0 Man City)
Big chance wasted.
The move start from long ball by Alisson. Hugo Ekitike choose wrong pass initially, playing am slightly behind Salah on the left.
Salah still manage deliver sweet trivela cross back into the box, but Ekitike header no get direction and the ball roll wide from golden position.
Dominik Szoboszlai Goal vs Man City (74th min, Liverpool 1-0 Man City)
Madness. Absolute madness.
Szoboszlai line up free kick from central area, almost 30 yards out, and unleash outrageous knuckleball. Gianluigi Donnarumma just stand dey watch as the ball kiss inside post and enter net.
Kerkez and Konate hold their heads in disbelief. That strike na pure class.
Bernardo Silva Goal vs Liverpool (84th min, Liverpool 1-1 Man City)
Game change completely.
Rayan Cherki cross deflect kindly onto Haaland head. The Norwegian nod am across Liverpool defence, and Bernardo Silva sweep am calmly past Alisson.
Ironically, Szoboszlai wey score earlier play Silva onside. Hero turn villain.
Erling Haaland Goal vs Liverpool (90+3 min, Liverpool 1-2 Man City)
Huge moment.
Matheus Nunes get to the ball first inside the box before Alisson crash into him. Clear penalty.
Haaland, wey never score for Anfield before, show zero nerves and slot the ball into bottom corner. Cold. Ruthless.
Dominik Szoboszlai Red Card (90+13 min, Liverpool 1-2 Man City)
Pure chaos.
After Donnarumma miracle save, Liverpool get corner and Alisson come forward. City regain possession, Cherki shoot towards empty net from near halfway line.
As the ball roll towards goal, Szoboszlai and Haaland pull each other shirts. VAR intervene. Goal cancel. Szoboszlai sent off for denying clear goalscoring chance.
Confusion everywhere. Sense hard to find.
Man of the Match – Erling Haaland
Szoboszlai night go from hero to nightmare, but the man he battle with all evening show why him na elite.
Haaland assist the equaliser with header and then calmly score pressure penalty in hostile ground. That na X-factor.
If City go win this title, moments like this go be the reason.
Liverpool vs Man City Match Stats
Possession: Liverpool 47% – 53% Man City
Shots: Liverpool 15 – 15 Man City
Shots on Target: Liverpool 4 – 7 Man City
Corners: Liverpool 5 – 4 Man City
Fouls: Liverpool 13 – 16 Man City
What Next?
Liverpool go face tough midweek trip to Sunderland on Wednesday, before hosting Brighton for FA Cup fourth-round clash next Saturday.
Manchester City return to Etihad to face Fulham midweek, then host Salford City in the cup, hoping repeat last season 8-0 demolition.
