In the 10th minute of stoppage time, with Liverpool trailing by a goal, goalkeeper Alisson joined the attack. Man City won possession, and Rayan Cherki shot from midfield towards the empty net. Dominik Szoboszlai ran back, pulling Erling Haaland's shirt outside the penalty area, attempting to prevent him from reaching the ball as it rolled towards goal.
Referee Craig Pawson initially allowed the goal. However, VAR intervened, determining a foul occurred before the ball entered the net. Pawson then disallowed the goal and issued a direct red card to Szoboszlai for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. This decision sparked controversy, though it did not affect Man City's victory.
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Dominik Szoboszlai (red shirt) received a red card for pulling Erling Haaland's shirt during Liverpool's 1-2 loss to Man City in Premier League round 25 at Anfield, Liverpool, England on 8/2. *Photo: AFP*
After the match, when asked about the incident, Haaland stated: "In my opinion, the referee must follow the rules, but this situation will result in a three-match suspension for him. I feel quite sorry for Szoboszlai. If that's the case, just allow the goal and don't show a red card. It's that simple. But rules are rules, and that's how it happened".
The pivotal match at Anfield was full of emotion, especially after Szoboszlai scored a magnificent free-kick to open the scoring in the 74th minute. Haaland then shined, providing a header assist for Bernardo Silva's equalizer in the 84th minute, before scoring a penalty that completed Man City's comeback in the third minute of stoppage time.
This victory helped Man City narrow the gap with league leaders Arsenal to 6 points, keeping their title hopes alive. Haaland admitted feeling immense pressure before taking the decisive penalty. "I was very nervous. The only thought in my head was to put the ball in the net. I missed one in a home game, so I practiced a lot. Scoring here is an unbelievable feeling", he expressed.
The Norwegian striker also praised the fighting spirit of Bernardo Silva and the entire team. "Anfield is always a difficult place", he stated. "But we didn't give up. When Bernardo scored, he immediately wanted another goal, which sent a positive signal to the team, the club, and the fans".
Similarly, Bernardo Silva emphasized Man City understood the match's importance. "If we had lost this match, the title race might have been over", he stated, referring to the possibility of Arsenal pulling 9 points ahead. "Arsenal is still in a better position, but this victory brings us closer. Hope remains, and we will fight until the end".
On 11/2, Man City will return home to face Fulham in Premier League round 26, then host Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round three days later.
Hong Duy
