In the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time, with Liverpool pushing for an equalizer, goalkeeper Alisson Becker left his goal to join the attack, leaving a wide-open net behind him. Following a turnover by the home side in midfield, Manchester City launched a quick counter-attack. Rayan Cherki received the ball near the halfway line and immediately shot, sending the ball rolling towards Liverpool's empty goal.

Simultaneously, forward Erling Haaland sprinted forward and was pulled back by Dominik Szoboszlai. This caused the Norwegian striker to lose balance and, in turn, pull down the Hungarian midfielder. The ball rolled into the net without either player touching it, prompting Cherki to celebrate with the visiting fans.

Referee Craig Pawson initially allowed the goal, causing Manchester City players to erupt in celebration. However, their joy was short-lived as the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened. After reviewing the incident, the referee decided to disallow the goal, ruling that Szoboszlai's foul on Haaland occurred before the ball crossed the goal line.

Referee Pawson reviews the late-game incident during Manchester City's victory over Liverpool at Anfield, Liverpool, UK, on premier league matchday 25, 8/2. Photo: EPA

Referee Pawson reviews the late-game incident during Manchester City's victory over Liverpool at Anfield, Liverpool, UK, on premier league matchday 25, 8/2. Photo: EPA

Additionally, the 25-year-old midfielder received a direct red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Manchester City was awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area, and Liverpool finished the match with 10 players.

"Haaland committed a careless foul by pulling Szoboszlai's shirt," the referee stated on the field. "However, prior to that, Szoboszlai committed a foul by pulling and denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free-kick for Manchester City and a red card for Szoboszlai."

The referee's decision immediately sparked a wave of reactions. For Liverpool, the sense of injustice was particularly frustrating. They had already lost 1-2, and the disallowing of a third goal did not significantly alter the result. However, the red card for Szoboszlai meant an additional cost for the Anfield side, as their key midfielder will miss their next match against Sunderland.

Manchester City was also displeased with the decision. Midfielder Bernardo Silva stated after the match that his team understood the importance of every goal at this stage. The gap with Arsenal remains six points, and goal difference could become a decisive factor as the season enters its final phase. The disallowed goal meant Manchester City lost an opportunity for a more emphatic victory in a match where they faced significant pressure.

On Sky Sports, former defender Gary Neville called Pawson a "spoilsport". "He's a killjoy," Neville added. "Just let the goal stand. The referee just ruined a great moment of the season."

Referee Craig Pawson shows a red card to Dominik Szoboszlai during Manchester City's 2-1 victory over hosts Liverpool on premier league matchday 25 at Anfield on 8/2. Photo: AFP

Referee Craig Pawson shows a red card to Dominik Szoboszlai during Manchester City's 2-1 victory over hosts Liverpool on premier league matchday 25 at Anfield on 8/2. Photo: AFP

Even Haaland, who was directly involved in the play, expressed disagreement with the decision. The Norwegian striker understood that the referee was simply following the rules but felt regret for Szoboszlai and for the match itself. "Perhaps the goal should have been allowed, and the red card ignored," Haaland said. "But rules are rules."

Manchester City secured three valuable points, continuing their pursuit of Arsenal in the title race with a six-point deficit. Their goal difference is also five goals fewer than the "Gunners."

Meanwhile, Liverpool suffered another blow to their top 4 ambitions, as they now trail Manchester United by five points. Nevertheless, with 13 rounds remaining, both Manchester City and Liverpool still have opportunities to achieve their season goals.

Compiled by Hoang An