The Reds were almost there. Dominik Szoboszlai had once again put Liverpool in a commanding position with an outrageous ripper of a free kick. But then the hosts went back on their heels at Anfield for the remaining few minutes and paid the price.
Manchester City had dominated most of the first half, but some terrific goalkeeping from the Liverpool star Alisson Becker kept Haaland, Marmoush and Semenyo at bay and though Liverpool were quiet in the first half, they just came alive as the second half progressed.
Salah set up Gakpo and Ekitike, but both shot wide. Gakpo had a good couple of chances but failed to find the net. However, Dominik Szoboszlai, who is rapidly emerging as a brilliant free-kick specialist, struck a screamer, which curled away from Donnarumma and entered the net. It was a goal worth in gold.
With 16 minutes to go for the final whistle, Liverpool sat back a bit to defend as City began pushing for the equaliser. The Liverpool defence was under pressure, and as has been the case this season, the Reds conceded a late goal. Haaland placed a perfect headed pass for Bernardo Silva to score. The match was brought to an even keel in the 84th minute.
As Manchester City went on the rampage to snatch a vital 3 points, Alisson Becker clattered into Matheus Nunes to give City a penalty. Liverpool’s nerves in the closing stages of a match had once again resurfaced. Haaland scored in the 3rd minute of stoppage time and celebrated in full glory.
At the last minute, Liverpool pushed Becker upwards in a desperate attempt to score. In the ensuing milee, Haaland got the ball with an open goal, but Szoboszlai pulled him down. Haaland, in return, pulled down Szoboszlai as Rayan Cherki helped the ball into the goal. However, the attempt was disallowed due to Haaland’s foul on Szoboszlai, but the Hungarian was red-carded for pulling down Haaland. The events were unprecedented as the match ended in a 2-1 victory for City.
Pep Guardiola could not have asked for a better result as his team was still very much in the hunt for the EPL title with only 6 points adrift of Arsenal and 13 games to go.
Liverpool had only themselves to blame. They have been poor in closing out games and suffered once again. Lying in 6th position, 4 points behind Chelsea, the Reds must be much more consistent to secure a top 4 finish.
An exceptional game and a great victory for Manchester City.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Visit Sports FACTory YouTube Channel