Late Penalty and Overturned Goal Cap Dramatic and Controversial Anfield Finale
In a match that will be remembered for its chaotic, confusing, and ultimately controversial finish, Manchester City emerged from Anfield with a crucial 2-1 victory over Liverpool, keeping their Premier League title pursuit alive.
The game descended into high drama in the closing moments, dominated by a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that left players, pundits, and fans stunned. After Erling Haaland converted a 93rd-minute penalty to put City ahead 2-1, the hosts threw everyone forward, including goalkeeper Alisson, in a desperate search for an equalizer.
What followed was pure pandemonium. With Liverpool’s net empty, City’s Rayan Cherki saw his effort trickle over the line, seemingly sealing the win at 3-1. As the ball rolled in, Haaland and Liverpool’s Dominic Szoboszlai tangled, pulling each other’s shirts while racing back.
After a lengthy review, referee Craig Pawson overturned the goal. He explained that Szoboszlai had first committed a holding foul, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, resulting in a red card for the Liverpool midfielder. However, he also ruled that Haaland had subsequently fouled Szoboszlai, meaning the restart was a free-kick to City, not a goal.
“It’s careless foul by Erling Haaland that pulls the shirt,” Pawson stated. “Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free-kick to Manchester City and a red card.”
The decision ignited fury from commentators, with Sky Sports’ Gary Neville lamenting the moment. “I am a fan of VAR but it has just killed the joy,” he said. “They have just killed one of the great moments of the season.”
Earlier, Szoboszlai had smashed Liverpool into a first-half lead with a stunning long-range free-kick. City leveled through Bernardo Silva before Alisson’s late challenge on Matheus Nunes conceded the decisive penalty.
Szoboszlai’s red-card trudge off the pitch capped a bizarre personal tale, and City saw out the remaining minutes to close the gap on leaders Arsenal to six points, completing a league double over their rivals in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
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