Erling Haaland converted a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to secure a crucial 2-1 victory for Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, earning the champions a rare win on Liverpool’s home turf and keeping their Premier League title hopes firmly alive.
The Norwegian striker held his nerve from the spot deep into added time after City were awarded a penalty following a VAR review, sending the traveling supporters into jubilation and dealing a significant blow to Liverpool’s own title ambitions.
Th match had been a tense, closely-fought affair typical of encounters between these two Premier League heavyweights. Liverpool had taken the lead through a well-worked team goal, only for City to equalize in the second half and set up a frantic finale.
As the game appeared destined for a draw, City won a late penalty when a Liverpool defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. After a lengthy VAR check confirmed the decision, Haaland stepped up under immense pressure and coolly slotted home to spark wild celebrations among the City players and coaching staff.
The victory is particularly significant given Manchester City’s historically difficult record at Anfield, where Liverpool have traditionally been formidable opponents. Wins for visiting teams at the iconic stadium remain rare, making this result all the more valuable in the context of the title race.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s resilience and composure in securing three points in such challenging circumstances. “To win here is always special,” Guardiola said after the match. “The players showed great character, and Erling showed why he is one of the best strikers in the world.”
For Liverpool, the defeat represents a painful setback in what has been a competitive season. Manager Jürgen Klopp expressed frustration with the late penalty decision but acknowledged that such moments can define title races.
Haaland’s match-winning penalty extends his impressive goal-scoring record and demonstrates his ability to deliver in the biggest moments. The victory narrows the gap in the Premier League standings and ensures the title race remains wide open with several crucial fixtures still to play.
Both teams will now regroup ahead of midweek commitments, with City buoyed by their dramatic Anfield triumph and Liverpool seeking to bounce back from this heartbreaking home defeat.
