On February 8, 2026, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City secured a crucial victory against Liverpool, a win sealed with both a literal and figurative kiss. After the match, Guardiola blew a kiss towards the sky above Anfield, a ground that has often been a site of torment for him throughout his career. This victory, however, could be a turning point, especially if it leads to a dramatic twist in the title race.

The kiss might have been an expression of gratitude for several key performances. Was it for Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose goalkeeping for Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League had previously thwarted Liverpool? Or perhaps for Erling Haaland's coolly taken penalty, which completed City's comeback?

The resilience of Marc Guéhi and his defensive partners, who faced a relentless Liverpool attack in the second half, certainly deserved recognition. Guéhi, a former Liverpool target, was later seen receiving a kiss from his manager, a gesture of appreciation for his efforts.

Guardiola's visible relief underscored the significance of the win, suggesting that City's title aspirations remain very much alive. The match was a rollercoaster, mirroring Arsenal's own evening, which swung from elation to disappointment. Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick in the 74th minute had put Liverpool in a commanding position, seemingly leaving City's title hopes in tatters.

However, City rallied, and by the 93rd minute, the gap had narrowed. By the 100th, with Liverpool down to 10 men, City had secured a win at a ground where they hadn't won in front of fans since 2003. Guardiola had previously only managed a Premier League victory at Anfield behind closed doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, having suffered six defeats there. This victory, therefore, was particularly sweet.

The match was a chaotic affair, with momentum swinging back and forth. Ultimately, City's comeback served as a statement of intent, reigniting the title race and reminding everyone of their চ্যাম্পিয়নশিপ pedigree.