Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Anfield on February 8, 2026, significantly boosting their Premier League title aspirations. Erling Haaland's late penalty sealed the win after a thrilling comeback.

The match, billed as crucial for both sides, saw Liverpool aiming to solidify their Champions League spot while City needed a win to keep pace with Arsenal in the title race. Arsenal had increased the pressure by opening a nine-point lead on Saturday, making City's need for a win even more urgent.

The first half was intense, with both teams pressing high. City had an early chance when Bernardo Silva played Haaland through, but Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson smothered the shot. Despite City dominating possession and registering ten shots, neither side could break the deadlock before halftime.

Liverpool emerged with renewed vigor after the break, with Hugo Ekitike missing two opportunities early in the second half. The home side finally took the lead in the 74th minute through a stunning free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. His swerving effort evaded the City wall and found the back of the net, leaving City's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma helpless.

However, City responded strongly. In the 84th minute, Bernardo Silva latched onto a flick from Haaland to equalize. The drama continued into stoppage time when Alisson brought down Matheus Nunes, leading to a penalty for City. Haaland coolly converted the penalty in the 93rd minute, giving City the lead.

The game wasn't over yet. Alexis Mac Allister forced a save from Donnarumma, and Rayan Cherki had a shot from his own half that trickled into the net with Alisson upfield. However, a VAR review disallowed the goal due to a foul by Haaland on Szoboszlai in the build-up, which also resulted in Szoboszlai's sending off.

The victory marked City's first league double over Liverpool since 1936-37. City reduced the gap to leaders Arsenal to six points.