The highly anticipated clash between Liverpool and Manchester City in Matchweek 25 of the 2025/2026 Premier League season delivered pure drama at Anfield on Sunday night, February 8, 2026. Kick-off took place at 23:30 WIB, and the result proved crucial in shaping the direction of the title race, especially with City trailing league leaders Arsenal before the match.
Liverpool appeared to have one hand on a vital victory when Dominik Szoboszlai fired the hosts into the lead in the 74th minute, sending Anfield into raptures. However, Manchester City showcased their champion mentality with a stunning late turnaround, scoring twice in the final moments to secure a dramatic 2–1 win.
Bernardo Silva restored parity in the 84th minute before Erling Haaland calmly converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 90+3rd minute, silencing the home crowd and keeping City firmly in the Premier League title hunt.
A Dramatic Late Revival at Anfield
For much of the match, Manchester City struggled to break through Liverpool’s disciplined defensive structure. The atmosphere at Anfield, as always, was intense, and City were forced to absorb pressure for long spells—especially after falling behind late in the second half.
Yet, when it mattered most, Pep Guardiola’s side found a way. Silva’s equaliser reignited belief, while Haaland’s decisive penalty sealed a victory that will be remembered as one of City’s most important away results of the season.
City fans briefly thought the win would be even more spectacular when Rayan Cherki appeared to score from near the halfway line. However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out. Despite that disappointment, the significance of the victory remained intact.
Notably, this result marked only Manchester City’s third league win at Anfield since 1981, underlining just how rare and valuable such a triumph is.
Guardiola: “Six Points Is Better Than Nine”
After the match, Pep Guardiola reflected on the importance of the result in the context of the title race. The City manager acknowledged Anfield’s legendary status while emphasizing that his team remains fully committed to chasing Arsenal.
“Anfield is Anfield—full of tradition, history, and atmosphere,” Guardiola said. “Six points behind is better than nine, and we will keep pushing Arsenal until the very end.”
He also jokingly referenced City’s previous league win at Anfield five years ago, which came during a period when matches were played behind closed doors—making this victory even sweeter.
Bernardo Silva and Haaland Lead the Fightback
Bernardo Silva played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s comeback, delivering an all-action performance after recently returning from a hamstring injury. The Portuguese midfielder not only scored the crucial equaliser but also covered a remarkable 12.84 kilometers, the highest distance recorded by any player in the match.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland etched his name into the headlines by scoring his first ever goal at Anfield, converting the decisive penalty under immense pressure.
“We knew that if we lost, the title race would almost be over,” Silva admitted after the game. “That’s why we had to win and keep fighting until the end.”
A Psychological Boost in the Title Race
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes the victory could have a major psychological impact on the Premier League title race.
“This is a massive win for Manchester City,” Robinson said. “Results like this can significantly boost confidence and belief.”
Football pundits Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville echoed that sentiment, suggesting that City’s chances of catching Arsenal remain very much alive.
“This could be the moment that convinces them they can chase Arsenal all the way to the finish line,” Neville explained.
Manchester City Refuse to Give Up on the Title
The result of Liverpool vs Manchester City sends a clear message to the rest of the league: Manchester City are not walking away from the Premier League title race. With 13 matches still to play, Guardiola’s side remain within striking distance, provided they can maintain consistency and continue applying pressure on Arsenal.
As the 2025/2026 season heads into its decisive phase, City’s dramatic night at Anfield may yet prove to be a defining turning point in the battle for the crown.
ALSO READ :
