Just when it seemed Manchester City was losing its grip on the Premier League title, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland stepped up, leaving Liverpool stunned and Arsenal on edge. Historically, City has struggled at Anfield, but Sunday’s match delivered a performance not seen in two decades.
The last time City triumphed at Anfield with fans present, Maine Road was their home ground, with Kevin Keegan managing and Peter Schmeichel in goal. It’s the one venue that Pep Guardiola reportedly dislikes even more than Tottenham’s stadium, and if the whispers about this being his last season at City are true, this could be his final trip there.
If this is indeed the case, Guardiola could not have asked for a more fitting last performance. City dominated the first half, but after Liverpool turned things around with Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick, City seemed to lose momentum.
This was yet another instance of City faltering in the second half, pushing their title hopes to the brink of despair. But with determination, spurred on by their captain Bernardo, who netted a late equalizer, City fought back, culminating in Haaland’s penalty kick that was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma amidst the late-game turmoil, which included a goal from Rayan Cherki being disallowed and Szoboszlai’s subsequent red card.
Guardiola faced mockery from Liverpool supporters during past visits but this time, he had the last laugh, particularly with Haaland scoring his inaugural goal in a City shirt at Anfield. In a notable first for City, they managed to defeat Liverpool in the league for the first time since 1937.
Although the Reds had almost forgotten what it felt like to lose at home to City (aside from the pandemic-affected season), there was a sense of familiarity in this defeat. This marks the fourth time this season Arne Slott’s team allowed a trying goal in the 90th minute, tying the record for most such goals conceded by a single team in Premier League history, and the Reds will need a significant resurgence to secure a spot in the upcoming Europa League.
goal We take a closer look at the standout performers from Anfield…
Winner: Erling Haaland
The last time Haaland stepped onto the Anfield pitch, he was an emerging talent just 19 years old, playing for Red Bull Salzburg. A lot has changed over the years, but for a while, it seemed like Anfield would remain an impregnable fortress for him.
After experiencing a goal drought against Liverpool, Haaland missed an early chance in this game and watched as his team fell behind with just 16 minutes left. However, his tenacity and drive shone through; he continued to chase after every ball.
He assisted Bernardo with his equalizer and confidently converted a penalty, pushing aside the weight of previous encounters at Anfield and igniting jubilant celebrations.
Loser: Hugo Ekitike
Hugo Ekitike entered this match carrying the momentum of scoring twice against Newcastle. Though he drew comparisons to Fernando Torres with his imposing style and received chants from the home crowd, he ultimately faltered under pressure.
He struggled early on against Marc Guehi but seemed rejuvenated as the game progressed, appearing to be on the verge of a breakthrough. However, he squandered two excellent opportunities, including a near miss after the ball ricocheted off the post and failed to convert a free header from Mohamed Salah.
Ekitike’s first season at Liverpool has shown promise, especially when compared to fellow new arrival Alexander Isak, but he has yet to make his mark in crucial matches against top teams like Manchester United, Arsenal, or Real Madrid.
Winner: Marc Guehi
In early September, Guehi underwent a medical in anticipation of joining Liverpool, but now, six months later, he found himself on the pitch at Anfield amid boos from the crowd, having ultimately joined City instead.
Despite the transfer saga not being his decision, Guehi believed he belonged on the grand stage, and he showcased that belief in this high-stakes environment as the title fight raged on.
He effectively intercepted Liverpool’s attacks throughout the match, frustrating Ekitike and Kodi Gakpo, while also bravely blocking a shot from Florian Wirtz. He drew the ire of the 57,000 fans after a tackle on Mohamed Salah but managed to avoid a second yellow card.
This single error aside, Guehi’s solid performance highlighted the benefits City gained by acquiring him and underscored what Liverpool missed out on.
Loser: Alisson
Alisson’s reliability had historically played a significant role in limiting City’s victories at Anfield, but an unexpected error from him changed the game’s outcome.
He had started strong, denying Haaland early on, but in stoppage time, he made a critical mistake by fouling Matheus Nunez, which granted City a penalty kick. Instead of keeping his cool, he lunged at Nunez in a reckless challenge when he should have just stood his ground.
This allowed Haaland to capitalize, and he successfully converted the penalty, punishing Alisson for his miscalculation.
Winners: Manchester United and Chelsea
Manchester United fans may find it challenging to choose a side during this matchup, but the last-minute chaos at Anfield was likely celebrated quietly by Red Devils supporters. The gap between United and Liverpool in the race for Champions League spots widened, providing United with a five-point cushion.
Chelsea fans would also have appreciated the result, as their one-goal lead against Slott’s team transformed into a four-goal buffer for them.
Liverpool’s late collapse offers hope for United and Chelsea, who now see a clearer path to overtaking the Reds and securing a top-five Premier League finish behind Arsenal, City, and Aston Villa. Both teams are riding a wave of momentum under new management, with United flourishing under Michael Carrick and Chelsea revitalized since Enzo Maresca’s departure.
Just last month, Slott guided Liverpool into the last 16 of the Champions League for the second consecutive year, and while he emphasized their progress, the recent display indicates a shift back towards Europa League participation.
Loser: Arsenal fans
While Arsenal’s players have shown resilience, bouncing back impressively with recent victories following setbacks against United, fans are left grappling with anxiety. The recent thrilling finish at Anfield doesn’t signify an impending downfall for the Gunners in upcoming matches against Brentford, Wolves, or even Tottenham.
Still, many Arsenal fans are haunted by the prospect of City inching closer, reminiscent of their title race struggles in 2022-23 and 2023-24. What they seek is reassurance that this year will be different, hoping to avoid any more shell-shocking surprises.
Thus, City’s dramatic late victory merely stirs painful memories and increases anxiety amongst Gunners’ supporters.
In the dynamic landscape of soccer, the result from Anfield serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of the sport. This match not only impacts team standings but also influences fan sentiments and rivalry narratives that can shape future matchups.
