What a thriller we witnessed at Anfield. Dominated, pinned back, and sunk by Szoboszlai’s free kick, Manchester City managed to win by turning the game around.
“Move along, nothing to see here”: that’s what we could have said about the first half. Controlling the ball and winning it back quickly after losing possession, Manchester City looked capable of managing the match however they pleased and had the best chance of the game through Haaland. Liverpool were under siege, but the Reds’ defensive organization and City’s attacking apathy meant the score was still goalless.
But in the second half, everything opened up. First, Manchester City dropped deeper and made mistakes that Liverpool took advantage of, creating chances through Ekitike and Gakpo in particular. City committed more and more fouls, and from one of them, Szoboszlai converted a magnificent free kick from 30 meters to make it 1–0. It was reasonable to think City would collapse and start conceding goals like they did against Tottenham, but that’s where Guardiola’s men found a response.
Silva equalized shortly after, reigniting wild hope among the Cityzens, who were still under heavy pressure. Then madness took over Anfield. Alisson inexplicably brought down Nunes, and a penalty was awarded to City. The penalty was converted by Erling Haaland, despite an otherwise poor performance. Manchester City led 2–1, and if they didn’t go under during Liverpool’s strong spell, they owed it to Donnarumma, who was then called into action again on a thunderous strike from Mac Allister. After that, City scored a third goal that was ruled out, a sequence that ended with Szoboszlai being sent off.
Manchester City win 2–1 at Anfield, their first victory at the Reds’ ground since 2021. They are now only four points behind Arsenal.