Manchester City picked up a massive 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on 8 February 2026, turning the game on its head late on. Pep Guardiola’s side trailed with little time left, but still found a way to take all three points and keep their Premier League title hopes on track. With Arsenal out in front, this result cut City’s deficit to six points and added fresh energy to the run-in.
The opening stages were tight and careful. Both teams tried to feel their way into the match, knowing how much was at stake. Liverpool, led by Arne Slot, enjoyed spells on the ball and worked a few promising positions, but City stayed organised and dealt with the early pressure. Clear chances were rare, although Erling Haaland went close inside the first few minutes when Bernardo Silva slipped him in, only for Alisson to make a sharp save.
Szoboszlai Breaks the Deadlock
Liverpool finally made the breakthrough in the 74th minute, and it was worth the wait. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up for a free-kick and bent a brilliant effort past City’s keeper. The ball swung hard, kissed the inside of the post, and dropped into the net. Anfield lifted instantly, and the goal quickly drew talk of a goal-of-the-season contender.
At that point, it looked like Liverpool had done enough for a big win as they chased a top-four place. They had controlled large parts of the game, and City had struggled to create much from open play.
City Hit Back Late and Haaland Seals It from the Spot
City didn’t panic, and their response came in the 84th minute. They broke quickly, Haaland challenged in the air, and guided a header into Bernardo Silva’s path. Silva met it with a clean volley from close range to make it 1-1, and the mood of the match flipped in seconds.
The winner arrived deep into added time after a messy scramble in the Liverpool penalty area. Substitute Matheus Nunes went down under a challenge from Alisson, and referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot after a VAR check. Haaland took responsibility and rolled the penalty home in the 90+3rd minute. It was his 21st league goal of the season and his first at Anfield, and it completed a dramatic comeback.
Match Highlights
- 74′: Dominik Szoboszlai curls in a superb free-kick, clipping the post on the way in.
- 84′: Bernardo Silva volleys home after Haaland’s header sets him up.
- 90’+3′: Erling Haaland scores the winning penalty following Alisson’s foul on Matheus Nunes.
- Late drama also saw Szoboszlai sent off in stoppage time after a VAR-led incident, plus a potential third City goal ruled out, which only added to the chaos.
It finished with arguments and confusion around the big calls, but City held their nerve when it mattered.
Manchester City Team and Performance Overview
Manchester City showed why they stay in the title fight year after year. They kept going, stayed patient, and made their late chances count. Bernardo Silva took the Player of the Match award after driving City forward and scoring the equaliser.
| Position | Player | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | (Assumed Ederson) | Steady when called upon |
| Defenders | Various | Stood up to pressure for long spells |
| Midfielders | Bernardo Silva (C) | Goal, strong influence, MOTM |
| Forwards | Erling Haaland | Assist, winning penalty |
| Substitutes | Matheus Nunes | Won the decisive penalty |
Guardiola’s side got the job done with a late surge and a strong bench impact.
Liverpool Team and Performance Overview
Liverpool will feel they let it slip. They had control for long periods and produced the best moment of the match through Szoboszlai’s free-kick. His late red card made a tough finish even harder, and the penalty concession in added time turned a good night into a painful one.
| Position | Player | Key contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Alisson | Key saves, gave awaya late penalty |
| Defenders | Various | Mostly well-drilled, punished late |
| Midfielders | Dominik Szoboszlai | Brilliant goal, later sent off |
| Forwards | (Assumed Salah etc.) | Created openings, no finish |
| Overall | Team effort | Strong spells, late collapse |
The loss left Liverpool sixth, five points off the top four, and under pressure in the chase for European football.
What It Means for the Rest of the Season
For Manchester City, this 2-1 win at Anfield felt like more than a normal three points. It kept them close enough to keep believing, and it showed they can still turn matches late in a tight title race.
For Liverpool, the performance had plenty to like, but the ending was a hard lesson. Both sides will take something from it: City with confidence, Liverpool with a clear need to finish games stronger.
