The Premier League Round 25 delivered a highly anticipated “red-blue showdown” as defending champions Liverpool hosted rivals Manchester City at Anfield.
In the end, City completed a dramatic 2–1 comeback victory, with goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland, keeping the pressure firmly on league leaders Arsenal.
Goalless First Half as Both Sides Cancel Each Other Out
The match was evenly contested and played at high intensity. Manchester City held a slight edge in possession and attacking output, registering 53.5% possession and 17 shots compared to Liverpool’s 15.
However, City won only four corners, one fewer than the home side. Despite the close scoreline, neither team could break the deadlock in the first half.
Liverpool Strikes First After the Break
The turning point came in the second half. In the 74th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai fired a direct free kick into the net to give Liverpool the lead.
Manchester City remained composed, and ten minutes later, Erling Haaland headed the ball into the path of Bernardo Silva, who slid in from close range to level the score.
Stoppage-Time Penalty Decides the Match
The match reached its climax in stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, Matheus Nunes was brought down in the penalty area by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. The referee immediately awarded a penalty and booked Alisson. Haaland stepped up and calmly converted, completing the 2–1 turnaround for Manchester City.
Deep into stoppage time, City attacking midfielder Cherki attempted a long-range shot. Haaland sprinted forward to chase the ball, while Szoboszlai pulled his shirt in an attempt to stop him. The ball eventually crossed the goal line.
However, after a VAR review, the referee ruled that an infringement occurred during the attacking phase. The goal was disallowed, and Szoboszlai was shown a straight red card. The decision angered players from both sides and became the main post-match topic of discussion. Manchester City ultimately secured a vital 2–1 away victory.
Season Records and Updated League Standings
Notably, this marked the fourth time this season that Liverpool have conceded a decisive goal after the 90th minute, equalling a Premier League single-season record. It also represents the first time in the Premier League era that Liverpool have been beaten twice by Manchester City in the same league season.
After 25 matches, Manchester City sit second in the table with 50 points, six behind leaders Arsenal, but remain firmly in the title race. City also holds a three-point advantage over third-placed Aston Villa.
Liverpool, meanwhile, continues to struggle, with just one win in their last seven league games. They are sixth on 39 points, and their hopes of European qualification are increasingly under threat.
Post-Match Reactions: Guardiola Energised, Slot Frustrated
After the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was visibly energized: “Before the game, people said the title race was already over and that the result wouldn’t change anything. But we are still here, and we are still competing.”
In contrast, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot struggled to hide his disappointment: “I feel angry and disappointed. Compared to three or four months ago, the team has clearly improved, but the problem is that this progress hasn’t been reflected in the league table.”
Manchester City used this comeback victory to reaffirm their place in the title race, while Liverpool must find a way out of their slump and turn promising performances into points. As the season enters its decisive phase, every single point could prove crucial in shaping the final outcome.
