The Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City on matchday 25 of the 2025–26 season delivered high drama at Anfield on Sunday night, February 8, 2026. What initially looked like a crucial home victory for Liverpool turned into a devastating turning point as Manchester City staged a dramatic late comeback.
Liverpool appeared to have one hand on all three points when Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 74th minute, sending the Anfield crowd into raptures. However, City showed their trademark resilience, turning the match on its head through Bernardo Silva’s equaliser in the 84th minute and a last-gasp penalty from Erling Haaland in stoppage time (90+3).
The 2–1 defeat marked another painful chapter for Liverpool, who once again failed to protect a late lead. Meanwhile, Manchester City capitalised on the moment, cutting Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points and strengthening their grip on second place.
A Moment of Magic That Sparked Chaos
Szoboszlai’s goal came during Liverpool’s most dominant spell of the match. After a cautious first half, the Reds raised the tempo significantly after the break. Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike began to find space and rhythm, forcing City deeper into their own half.
The Hungarian midfielder’s thunderous strike from distance seemed destined to seal the win and reward Liverpool’s second-half pressure. At that moment, Anfield felt confident, even defiant, as the home side pushed to see the game out.
But familiar problems resurfaced. Defensive lapses, poor game management, and a loss of composure in the final minutes once again proved costly for Arne Slot’s side.
Red Card Drama and Tactical Consequences
Liverpool’s situation deteriorated further when Szoboszlai was shown a red card following a VAR review. The midfielder was adjudged to have pulled Erling Haaland’s shirt to deny a clear goalscoring opportunity, after Rayan Cherki’s long-range effort was initially ruled out.
The decision not only changed the course of the match but also created major concerns for Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures. Szoboszlai’s suspension rules him out of the next league game against Sunderland, leaving Slot with serious questions over his right-back and midfield balance, an area already stretched by injuries and rotation.
Alarming Statistics and Growing League Pressure
This defeat added to a worrying trend for Liverpool. They have now conceded four match-winning goals after the 90th minute in the Premier League this season — a statistic that matches the worst-ever record in a single campaign, previously shared by Watford, West Ham, and Southampton.
The lowest point of the night came when Alisson Becker brought down Matheus Nunes inside the penalty area. The resulting spot-kick was calmly converted by Haaland, silencing Anfield and completing City’s comeback.
For Manchester City, the result reinforced their reputation as serial winners under pressure. Pep Guardiola has often described Anfield as a stage reserved for players with elite mentality, and once again, his side delivered when it mattered most.
What This Means for Liverpool and Man City
Liverpool now find themselves in sixth place, four points behind Chelsea in the race for a Champions League spot. While qualification remains within reach, repeated failures to defend leads could become a decisive obstacle in the final stretch of the season.
For Manchester City, this victory keeps their Premier League title hopes alive. With 13 matches remaining, Guardiola’s men remain firmly in contention, provided they maintain consistency and continue to apply pressure on Arsenal at the summit.
A Costly Lesson at Anfield
The Liverpool vs Manchester City showdown served as a harsh reminder that quality alone is not enough without concentration until the final whistle. One lapse, one decision, and one moment of hesitation were enough to undo 90 minutes of hard work.
Szoboszlai’s spectacular goal deserved celebration, but it will instead be remembered as the spark that preceded a dramatic collapse — a painful lesson for Liverpool as the Premier League title race enters its decisive phase.
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