In a Premier League classic that will be talked about for years, Manchester City vs Liverpool highlights 2026 will define this season's title race. Erling Haaland's ice-cold stoppage-time penalty secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory for Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The result cuts Arsenal's lead at the top of the table to just six points, breathing new life into the Premier League title race 2026. But the headlines belong to a chaotic finale involving a disallowed Rayan Cherki goal and a controversial red card for Dominik Szoboszlai.

City Stun Anfield with Late Comeback

For 80 minutes, it seemed Liverpool had done enough to derail Manchester City's title defense. Arne Slot's side, dealing with an injury crisis that saw midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai deputizing at right-back, took the lead in the 74th minute. It was Szoboszlai himself who broke the deadlock, curling a magnificent free-kick past Gianluigi Donnarumma that sent the Anfield faithful into raptures.

However, Pep Guardiola's champions are never truly beaten until the final whistle. The equalizer came ten minutes later through Bernardo Silva. Erling Haaland, often isolated during the match, turned provider, cushioning a header into the path of the Portuguese maestro, who poked the ball home to silence the Kop. The Manchester City vs Liverpool score stood at 1-1, but the drama was only just beginning.

Haaland's 93rd-Minute Winner

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, the intensity reached a fever pitch. In the 91st minute, City substitute Matheus Nunes burst into the box and was clumsily brought down by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot immediately.

Stepping up under immense pressure, the Erling Haaland penalty goal today was never in doubt. The Norwegian striker buried the ball into the bottom corner, claiming his first-ever goal at Anfield and securing a vital three points. The goal silenced the critics who had pointed to his recent quiet spell, proving once again why he is the most lethal finisher in world football.

VAR Controversy: Cherki Disallowed Goal and Szoboszlai Red Card

If the penalty was dramatic, what followed in the 100th minute was pure chaos. With Liverpool throwing everyone forward—including Alisson—for a late corner, City launched a counter-attack. The ball fell to substitute Rayan Cherki, who unleashed a strike from the halfway line into an empty net.

However, the goal was sensationally ruled out by VAR. The review showed a complex sequence of fouls during the buildup. Dominik Szoboszlai was judged to have pulled Haaland's shirt to prevent a goalscoring opportunity, but Haaland had also retaliated. The referee ultimately disallowed the goal but returned to the original offense, issuing a Dominik Szoboszlai red card VAR decision for the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity. It was a bizarre end to a match that had everything.

Premier League Title Race 2026: Game On

This result has massive implications for the league standings. Arsenal, who sat comfortably nine points clear on Saturday morning, now see their lead slashed to six. With 25 games played, Manchester City are on 50 points to Arsenal's 56. The momentum has arguably shifted back to Manchester, who showed the grit and resilience of champions to win at a ground where they have historically struggled.

For Liverpool, the defeat is a bitter pill. They remain stuck on 39 points, their Champions League aspirations taking a significant hit. Manager Arne Slot will be left rueing the missed chances and the defensive lapse that led to the penalty, while the suspension of Szoboszlai adds to his growing selection headaches.

Key Match Stats

  • Possession: Liverpool 48% - Man City 52%
  • Shots on Target: Liverpool 5 - Man City 6
  • Man of the Match: Bernardo Silva (Man City)

As the dust settles on this Anfield match report February 2026, one thing is clear: the Premier League is far from over. City have sent a message to North London, and the pressure is now firmly back on the Gunners.