Haaland's Stoppage-Time Penalty Stuns Anfield as Manchester City Keep Premier League Title Dreams Alive

Erling Haaland sealed one of the most dramatic victories of the Premier League season, converting a stoppage-time penalty to give Manchester City a remarkable 2-1 comeback win at Anfield on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The Norwegian striker's composure from the spot in the 93rd minute capped a chaotic finale that saw Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai sent off and a potential equalizer ruled out, leaving the home crowd stunned and Manchester City's title aspirations very much alive.

Liverpool appeared to be cruising to victory after Szoboszlai's sensational 74th-minute free-kick gave the Reds a deserved lead. The Hungarian midfielder's thunderbolt from distance seemed destined to secure three crucial points for Arne Slot's side. However, Manchester City showed their championship pedigree with two goals in the final seven minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Bernardo Silva forced home an 84th-minute equalizer after a goalmouth scramble, setting the stage for the dramatic finale.

The closing moments descended into chaos when Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister saw his goal ruled out following a VAR review. Referee Craig Pawson was instructed to examine an earlier foul by Szoboszlai on Haaland during the buildup. The review determined that Szoboszlai had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, resulting in a red card for the Liverpool midfielder. Moments later, goalkeeper Alisson brought down Matheus Nunes in the penalty area, giving Haaland the opportunity to complete the stunning turnaround.

The victory has significant implications for the Premier League title race. Manchester City moved back within six points of league leaders Arsenal at the top of the table, keeping Pep Guardiola's side firmly in contention with roughly a third of the season remaining. The three points, secured in such dramatic fashion at one of English football's most hostile venues, could prove to be a pivotal moment in City's pursuit of what would be an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League title.

For Liverpool, the defeat represents a crushing blow to their Champions League qualification hopes. Arne Slot's side now sit four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and face a genuine battle to secure European football for next season. The manner of the defeat—surrendering a lead at home in stoppage time—will be particularly difficult to digest for a club accustomed to challenging for major honors. The loss also continues Liverpool's struggles in big matches this season, raising questions about whether the squad possesses the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level.

The match will be remembered not only for Haaland's decisive penalty but also for the controversial nature of the finale. Liverpool manager Slot is certain to question the officiating decisions that saw his team reduced to ten men and concede a penalty in stoppage time. For Manchester City, however, the victory represents another example of the ruthless winning mentality that has made them English football's dominant force over the past decade. With the title race heating up and crucial months ahead, this dramatic Anfield triumph could prove to be the moment that turned City's season around.