Liverpool Collapse Late as Man City Punish Costly Errors at Anfield

Liverpool’s season lurched into deeper uncertainty after a chaotic late collapse handed Man City a dramatic victory at Anfield, a result that further intensified scrutiny on Arne Slot and his faltering campaign.

For long stretches, Liverpool played with purpose and clarity. For the decisive moments, they unravelled.

The sense of control that had briefly settled over Anfield dissolved in a frantic closing spell, one that swung momentum, emotion, and ultimately points towards Pep Guardiola’s side.

Bright Start Raises Anfield Belief

For half an hour, Liverpool looked convincing. Their pressing carried bite, their passing had tempo, and Man City appeared unsettled.

That early authority found its reward through Dominik Szoboszlai. Standing over a free kick from well beyond thirty yards, with Gianluigi Donnarumma curiously deploying a minimal wall, the Hungarian seized initiative.

Szoboszlai, operating out of position but brimming with intent, bent his effort beyond the static goalkeeper. Anfield stirred, belief swelling that Liverpool might claim a statement result in a difficult season.

In that moment, Liverpool looked energised, coherent, and capable of toppling the reigning champions.

Momentum Swing Changes Contest

Football, though, can pivot on the smallest lapses.

Szoboszlai’s evening took a cruel turn when he inadvertently played Bernardo Silva onside, allowing the City midfielder to level the match. The equaliser shifted the emotional temperature inside the stadium and injected urgency into City’s play.

Liverpool’s earlier composure gave way to anxiety. Passes shortened, challenges mistimed, structure loosened.

City sensed vulnerability and pressed forward with growing conviction.

Haaland Decisive From Spot

The decisive blow arrived from the penalty spot, Erling Haaland converting with authority to complete the turnaround.

Liverpool, chasing the game, committed bodies forward in desperation. That urgency almost produced one of the season’s most extraordinary moments when Rayan Cherki found the net from inside his own half after a loose scramble involving Szoboszlai and Haaland.

Celebrations, however, proved premature.

After a VAR intervention, the goal was ruled out, Szoboszlai was dismissed, and City were awarded a free kick, a sequence that deepened Liverpool’s frustration.

Gary Neville Reaction Sparks Debate

The decision ignited strong reaction, most notably from Gary Neville, who voiced disbelief at the intervention.

“I just don’t get this. He’s fouled him. That’s the foul,” Gary Neville said on Sky.

“That feels so unjust. I know there’s rules but there is the smell of the game. No referee should disallow that goal but it is going to be disallowed.”

“Talk about killjoy. Just let the goal be. You have just killed one of the great moments of the season.”

His comments captured the wider sense of deflation, not only at the decision but at how the evening slipped away from Liverpool.