Erling Haaland’s late penalty secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Manchester City at Anfield, punishing a defensive lapse by Alisson Becker and leaving Liverpool six points adrift of the league leaders.

​Manchester City reignited the Premier League title race with a stunning comeback victory against reigning champions Liverpool.

After a scoreless first half dominated by City’s pressure, the game exploded into life in the final twenty minutes.

Dominik Szoboszlai appeared to have won it for the hosts with a thunderous 76th-minute free-kick, but Bernardo Silva quickly equalized.

The drama peaked in stoppage time when a collision between Alisson and Omar Marmoush resulted in a penalty, converted by Erling Haaland, followed by a red card for Szoboszlai in a frantic finale.

​Player Ratings and Analysis

​Alisson Becker – 3

The Brazilian goalkeeper endured a nightmare conclusion to an otherwise steady game. While he could do little to prevent Silva’s close-range equalizer, his “moment of madness” in clattering Marmoush gifted City the winning penalty. His late foray upfield for a corner further destabilized the side, leading to the chaotic sequence that saw a third City goal ruled out and a teammate sent off.

​Dominik Szoboszlai – 6

Deployed as an auxiliary right-back, the Hungarian faced a difficult afternoon defensively but provided the game’s individual highlight with an “incredible free-kick.” His strike from distance momentarily sparked hopes of a crucial win. However, his day ended in disgrace as he received a straight red card for a tactical foul to prevent Rayan Cherki from scoring into an empty net.

​Ibrahima Konate – 7

Konate was the standout performer in the Reds’ backline, demonstrating sharp anticipation and physicality. He managed to “snuff out attacks” effectively for the majority of the match, proving to be the most reliable obstacle for City’s creative players until the defensive structure crumbled during the seven minutes of added time.

​Virgil van Dijk – 5

It was a rare off-day for the captain, who seemed uncharacteristically vulnerable in physical duels. He was occasionally “outmuscled by Haaland” and struggled to dominate the aerial battles as he usually does. His distribution was also unrefined, frequently opting for long balls that failed to find their intended targets.

​Milos Kerkez – 7

The left-back provided a balanced performance, proving vital at both ends of the pitch. He recorded a “crucial clearance” in the opening minutes to deny Haaland and remained disciplined against City’s overlapping runners. His willingness to join the attack offered Liverpool a necessary outlet during their stronger periods in the second half.

​Ryan Gravenberch – 4

The midfielder struggled to impose himself on the contest, appearing overwhelmed by City’s technical superiority in the center of the park. He failed to provide adequate screening for the defensive line and was largely bypassed. It was a “tame display” from a player who never quite found the rhythm of the game.

​Alexis Mac Allister – 5

Mac Allister showed flashes of his vision, including a “pinpoint pass” that created a scoring opportunity for Mohamed Salah, but he was unable to exert sustained control. He spent much of the match chasing shadows as City’s midfield trio circulated the ball, leaving him unable to get “into the thick of the action.”

​Florian Wirtz – 6

After a quiet first half where he was starved of service, Wirtz began to show his quality as the game opened up. He threaded several “brilliant through balls” that tested the City high line, though he lacked the support to turn these creative moments into clear-cut goals before being substituted.

​Mohamed Salah – 4

The Egyptian forward was largely neutralized by City’s defensive organization. Despite having a few half-chances, he looked “toothless in attack” and lacked the clinical edge that defined his previous campaigns. His inability to find a way past the defenders left Liverpool’s frontline feeling disjointed for long stretches.

​Cody Gakpo – 5

Gakpo worked hard but lacked the decisive spark required for a game of this magnitude. While he “showed glimpses of quality” on the turn, he appeared overly cautious and “too reluctant to use his left foot,” which made his movements predictable for the Manchester City defenders.

​Hugo Ekitike – 6

The young forward was an energetic presence and caused problems with his intelligent movement. However, he will regret “missing a free header from close range” that could have changed the complexion of the game early in the second half. Despite his liveliness, he lacked the finishing touch required today.

Everton and Newcastle United are weighing up a summer move for Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who is fighting for his future over the remainder of the season after failing to make a major impact at the club.

Manchester United, who were keen on the 23-year old last summer, could also be in the mix if he comes back on the market.

🔵🟡 Anderson Talisca signs new deal at Fenerbahçe valid until June 2028, agreed and sealed today. pic.twitter.com/tDlprJvPDg

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 8, 2026

John Terry has hit out at Arsenal for ‘celebrating too much’ after the north London side beat Chelsea in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final to book their spot for a tilt at the trophy at Wembley next month.

The former Blues captain was previously mocked by Arsenal… pic.twitter.com/VkMOpa7EHj

— Daily Mail Sport (@MailSport) February 8, 2026

John Terry has hit out at Arsenal for ‘celebrating too much’ after the north London side beat Chelsea in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final to book their spot for a tilt at the trophy at Wembley next month.

The former Blues captain was previously mocked by Arsenal fans for his dismayed reaction to Kai Havertz’s late winner at the Emirates on Tuesday night, which he shared to TikTok despite his daughter Summer’s embarrassed pleas that he not post the video publicly.

But Terry has not let the opportunity to try and get one up on his London derby rivals, claiming that the jubilant scenes in Islington in midweek were a touch premature for Mikel Arteta’s side.

‘I just want to talk on Arsenal’s celebrations after… let’s not forget, it’s the Carabao Cup, it’s not the Champions League final,’ Terry criticised in a TikTok video.

‘They celebrated far too much for me, I think that showed the pressure that’s on them at the moment.’

Terry appeared to take umbrage with Arsenal’s bench and staff running onto the pitch at the final whistle as their spot was confirmed, with players pressing up against the advertising hoardings to celebrate with their fans in chaotic scenes.

Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points following a routine 3-0 victory over Sunderland, highlighted by a masterclass from midfielder Declan Rice.

​Arsenal moved nine points clear at the Premier League summit following a clinical 3-0 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates.

Goals from Martin Zubimendi and a Viktor Gyökeres brace secured the points, but it was Declan Rice who stole the headlines with a dominant midfield display.

The victory piles immense pressure on title rivals Manchester City ahead of their crucial trip to Anfield on Sunday.

​Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki admitted the difficulty of facing the England international, stating: “Rice is really special to play against one against one.”

Paul Merson echoed this sentiment, describing Rice as “absolutely outstanding” for his consistency.

Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s defensive resilience and clean sheet, though he cautioned: “We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want.”

Manuel Akanji joined Inter Milan in the summer due to FFP rules, says Pep Guardiola. “It was a little bit out of our control. Manu could not stay with us and left to Inter Milan because Financial Fair Play was there, and we have [to keep] to the numbers.”

Arsenal have made an enquiry for Ajax’s 20-year-old Belgian attacker Mika Godts, a player frequently compared to Eden Hazard, as they look to bolster their ingenuity in the final third.

​Arsenal have reportedly made an enquiry for Ajax standout Mika Godts, a Belgian attacker whose explosive style has earned comparisons to Chelsea legend Eden Hazard.

With 10 goals and 9 assists this season, the 20-year-old has emerged as a primary target for Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners face stiff competition from Barcelona and rivals Tottenham for the youngster, who is valued at approximately €20 million.

​The move comes as Arsenal seek more flair following Eberechi Eze’s struggles and potential departures.

Godts is viewed as an ideal replacement should Leandro Trossard leave this summer. Analysts suggest he could provide the necessary spark to break down deep defences.

However, the report warns he must choose carefully, as “sitting on the bench at a big club would be detrimental to his development.”

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior was left in stitches after a playful Cole Palmer interrupted his post-match interview following the forward’s record-breaking hat-trick against Wolves.

​Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior shared a lighthearted moment with Cole Palmer after the England international’s first-half hat-trick secured a 3-1 victory over Wolves.

During a post-match interview with club media, Rosenior burst into laughter when he realized Palmer was standing just off-camera, eagerly waiting to hear his manager’s praise.

The interaction highlighted the strong bond developing between the squad and their new head coach.

​”Sorry, that just threw me,” Rosenior laughed as he tried to regain his composure during the discussion.

Despite the lighthearted distraction, the manager remains focused on the playmaker’s long-term health, adding: “Hopefully we can keep him fit and on the pitch and doing what he loves to do.”

With four wins from four league games, Rosenior’s man-management continues to yield immediate results at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has fueled transfer speculation by publicly praising Chelsea’s Cole Palmer on social media following the forward’s sensational first-half hat-trick against Wolves.

​Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has caused a social media stir by sending a supportive message to Chelsea star Cole Palmer following his treble at Molineux.

After Palmer posted “Just enjoy” to Instagram, Fernandes replied, “What a player,” sparking “Agent Bruno” labels from hopeful United supporters.

The interaction comes amid persistent rumors linking the childhood United fan with a move to Old Trafford.

​Despite the noise, Palmer has dismissed claims of homesickness or a looming exit as Chelsea continue to find form under Liam Rosenior.

Addressing the speculation after the 3-1 victory, Palmer remained blunt about the reports, stating: “Everyone loves to chat rubbish, don’t they? I don’t pay too much attention to it.”

Nevertheless, the public admiration from United’s leadership ensures the narrative remains a talking point.

Despite intense interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali reportedly prefers a return to Italy this summer to be closer to his family.

​Newcastle United are facing a battle to keep star midfielder Sandro Tonali as interest mounts from Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City.

While the Magpies view the 25-year-old as a “cornerstone of their project,” reports suggest the player’s heart is pulling him back to Italy.

Following the birth of his first child, Tonali reportedly wishes to settle his family in his home country.

​Juventus and Inter Milan are leading the chase for the Italian maestro, though Newcastle remain “adamant they will head into the summer with no intention of sanctioning his exit.”

Despite the club’s firm stance, Tonali’s agent has confirmed the player will assess his situation. Eddie Howe faces a nervous window as Europe’s elite prepare for what could be a compelling summer saga.