Manchester City defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on February 8, 2026. This marked the first win for Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, at the venue since 2021. The result narrowed the gap to league leaders Arsenal to six points.
Liverpool Dominated Early Proceedings
Liverpool controlled much of the second half. They created several chances and took the lead in the 74th minute. Dominik Szoboszlai, the Liverpool midfielder, scored with a swerving free kick from long range that beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Manchester City goalkeeper. However Manchester City refused to surrender.
Late Comeback Seals Dramatic Win
In the 84th minute, Bernardo Silva, the Manchester City midfielder, equalized with a volley after a scramble in the box. Then in stoppage time, Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, converted a penalty after Alisson Becker, the Liverpool goalkeeper, fouled Matheus Nunes, the Manchester City player.
Additionally, a late Liverpool goal by Rayan Cherki was disallowed by VAR due to a foul, and Szoboszlai received a red card for fouling Haaland.
Key Statistics Highlight Intensity
Manchester City recorded an expected goals value of 2.91 compared to Liverpool’s 1.21. They also had more shots on target, with seven against Liverpool’s four. Possession stood at 53.5 percent for City.
Players Reflect on Hard-Fought Battle
Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool captain, said to Sky Sports, “Second half, we were much better. We scored a worldie of a free kick. The penalty moment decided the game.”
Erling Haaland told Sky Sports, “I was really nervous getting the ball, all my thoughts were on getting it in the net. This place is so tough to come to.”
Bernardo Silva added to Sky Sports, “Coming here to Anfield is the toughest place in the Premier League by far. That puts us a bit closer to leaders Arsenal.” This victory kept Manchester City’s title hopes alive with 13 games remaining.
