Match Details

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• Player Ratings: Donnarumma 8, and Haaland 8, City’s heroes in Anfield comeback

  Manchester City overcame a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick to secure a 2-1 victory at Anfield, with Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland providing the decisive goals in a high-stakes title race clash. ​Despite a historically difficult record at Anfield, Manchester City displayed immense resilience to overturn a second-half deficit. The match was defined by momentum shifts: City dominated the opening period, while Liverpool capitalized on a dead-ball situation to take the lead. However, the visitors’ persistence paid off as they breached the champions’ defense twice in the closing stages. The victory keeps City firmly in the hunt for the Premier League crown, trailing Arsenal by just six points.

  ​Manchester City Player Ratings

  ​Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8 The Italian shot-stopper was frequently targeted by Liverpool’s aggressive pressing when the ball was at his feet, and he faced a barrage of testing set-pieces. While he was powerless to stop Szoboszlai’s pinpoint strike, he remained focused throughout. His contribution was punctuated by a vital, high-stakes save in the dying moments to preserve City’s narrow lead. ​Matheus Nunes – 7 Nunes provided a dynamic presence on the right, effectively transitioning play from the defensive third into attacking areas during the first half. He maintained a disciplined performance across the ninety minutes and demonstrated elite composure in the final minutes, successfully drawing the foul that resulted in the match-winning penalty. ​Abdukodir Khusanov – 7 A standout performer in the heart of the defense, Khusanov appeared entirely unfazed by the Anfield atmosphere. He remained alert to Liverpool’s dangerous counter-attacking threats and displayed great composure on the ball. His excellent shift was unfortunately cut short after a collision forced his early substitution in the 61st minute. ​Marc Guehi – 6 The center-back delivered an “outstanding” defensive masterclass. Guehi was consistently well-positioned to neutralize the threat of Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike. His highlight of the match was a desperate, goal-saving block to deny a goalbound effort from Florian Wirtz, anchoring the backline with authority. ​Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7 The left-back steadily improved as the game progressed, eventually delivering one of his most influential performances in a City shirt. He was a constant “marauding” threat down the flank, frequently pushing forward to unsettle Szoboszlai and providing the width necessary to stretch the Liverpool defense. ​Rodri – 6 While perhaps not yet reaching his absolute physical peak, Rodri’s influence remained significant. His exceptional passing range helped City dictate the tempo during their dominant spells. He showed signs of continuous improvement, acting as the vital link between the defense and the more advanced creators. ​Bernardo Silva – 8 Silva was the engine of the midfield, “bossing the team” with his characteristic work rate and tactical intelligence. He linked seamlessly with Rodri and Nunes to control the center of the pitch. Although his set-piece delivery was uncharacteristically inconsistent, he popped up with a crucial, hard-earned equalizer to trigger the comeback. ​Nico O’Reilly – 6 The youngster displayed remarkable energy and grit in a hostile environment. He held his own in a physical midfield battle against Ryan Gravenberch, providing City with a reliable outlet and consistent passing options deep into the game. His effort levels never dipped as the match reached its frantic conclusion. ​Antoine Semenyo – 6 Semenyo found himself locked in a physical and persistent duel with his former teammate Milos Kerkez. While his work rate was undeniable, he struggled to find the “magic” or clinical edge required to bypass the Liverpool full-back, leading to a quieter afternoon than he would have liked. ​Omar Marmoush – 6 His explosive pace was a constant source of anxiety for the Liverpool backline, and his direct running created several promising openings. However, he lacked the final clinical touch inside the penalty area to convert that threat into goals before being replaced after the hour mark. ​Erling Haaland – 8 The Norwegian striker showed great mental strength after an uncharacteristic early miss. He was involved in a grueling physical battle with Virgil van Dijk throughout the match. His persistence was rewarded as he provided the knockdown assist for the equalizer and coolly dispatched the high-pressure winning penalty.

• Player Ratings: Alisson 3, cost Liverpool as Szoboszlai 6, went from hero to zero on Liverpool’s loss to Man City

  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.

   

• Liverpool’s woes deepen as Manchester City snatch late victory at Anfield

  Manchester City staged a dramatic late comeback at Anfield to defeat Liverpool 2-1, leaving Arne Slot’s defending champions reeling after a chaotic final ten minutes.

  ​Arne Slot’s turbulent season hit a new low as Liverpool collapsed in a frantic finale against Manchester City.

  Despite taking the lead through a spectacular 30-yard free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, the Reds “shrunk into the turf” as the game slipped away.

  The Hungarian midfielder, utilized out of position, turned from hero to zero by playing Bernardo Silva onside for City’s clinical late equalizer.

  ​The comeback was completed when Erling Haaland converted a decisive penalty, keeping Pep Guardiola’s side within reach of leaders Arsenal.

  For the defending champions, the defeat marks another “crazy mess” in a campaign that continues to provide more questions than answers.

  Slot now faces mounting pressure as the Reds’ title defense looks increasingly fragile following this latest high-profile breakdown at a rocking Anfield.

• Edin Dzeko rolling back the years with goal-scoring start at former Champions League club

  At 39 years old, Edin Dzeko has made an immediate impact for 2. Bundesliga leaders Schalke, netting three goals in his first two home games to bolster the club’s push for top-flight promotion.

  ​Former Manchester City marksman Edin Dzeko has revitalized Schalke’s flagging attack since joining the German club from Fiorentina in January.

  The 39-year-old striker scored on his debut against Kaiserslautern before clinical braces in a 2-2 draw with Dynamo Dresden.

  Despite his veteran status, Dzeko’s presence has provided a significant boost to a side currently fighting to end a three-year hiatus from the Bundesliga.

  ​“Even at 39 – when you’re a bit older – you don’t forget how to score goals,” Dzeko remarked after his successful start at the Veltins Arena.

  The Bosnian captain emphasized that his move was driven by passion rather than finances, adding: “I wasn’t looking at the money; I simply wanted to play in front of this fantastic crowd and help this team.”

• Cole Palmer gatecrashes Liam Rosenior interview as Chelsea boss’ reaction says everything

  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.