{"id":22715,"date":"2026-02-08T19:40:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T19:40:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/08\/erling-haalands-deadly-strike-as-man-city-stunned-liverpool-in-the-second-half-5-talking-points\/"},"modified":"2026-02-08T19:40:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-08T19:40:34","slug":"erling-haalands-deadly-strike-as-man-city-stunned-liverpool-in-the-second-half-5-talking-points","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/08\/erling-haalands-deadly-strike-as-man-city-stunned-liverpool-in-the-second-half-5-talking-points\/","title":{"rendered":"Erling Haaland’s deadly strike as Man City stunned Liverpool in the second half – 5 talking points"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Liverpool 1-2 Man City: Late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland breathe new life into the title race and keep Arsenal and Mikel Arteta within striking distance.<\/h2>\n
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18:37, February 8, 2026<\/span>Updated February 8, 2026 19:17<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Bernardo Silva’s late goal kept Manchester City’s title hopes alive (Image: Michael Regan)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
Manchester City, led by their inspirational captain Bernardo Silva, led the way with a late showing to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield and help keep Josep Guardiola’s side in the title race.<\/p>\n
Two goals and a red card led to a dramatic finale, with the match lasting well over 100 minutes. Haaland’s late penalty in the 93rd minute proved decisive in a match that exploded in the final stages.<\/p>\n
It was a chaotic and entertaining game with both teams having chances, with Dominik Szoboszlai hitting the touchpaper with a superb free kick in the 74th minute. However, Bernardo appeared 10 minutes later and regained parity.<\/p>\n
Further drama ensued when Matheus Nunez was sent sprawling by Alisson and Haaland converted from the spot. Rayan Cherki’s third goal was canceled out after a VAR drama in which Szoboszlai was sent off for dragging Haaland back as both sides raced for a loose ball near Liverpool’s defenseless goal.<\/p>\n
However, City’s anger quickly subsided after the final whistle, giving them a big three points in the title race. Here’s the thing about mirror football…<\/p>\n
read more: Liverpool manager Arne Slott accused of making ‘tone-deaf’ comments and treating fans as ‘stupid’<\/span><\/span>read more: Mikel Arteta declares Premier League winner before Liverpool vs. Man City match<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
1) Szoboszlai’s incredible player energizes City<\/h3>\n
As for the title race, Paddy Power waved the white flag after Arsenal’s 3-0 thrashing of Sunderland on Saturday night. They think the title is complete. The victory gave Mikel Arteta’s side a nine-point lead. And it seemed like this would continue even after Szoboszlai’s later blockbusters.<\/p>\n
But City responded with a goal from champion Bernardo that seemed to give them a lifeline, but in reality a draw would not have been enough. The eight-point deficit at this stage of the season felt like it could not be overcome before the next twist.<\/p>\n
Step forward, Haaland. His penalty kept City alive in the title race and laid the foundation for a completely chaotic final scene after Szoboszlai pulled City back and conceded not a second as Cherki’s shot spilled towards goal.<\/p>\n
2) The City’s big guns are finally fired.<\/h3>\n
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Erling Haaland scores the decisive strike against Manchester City (Image: Michael Regan\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Liverpool and Manchester City’s recent title battles have been fueled by the excellent form of Mohamed Salah and Haaland respectively.<\/p>\n
Both entered the match in the midst of difficult times. Haaland had scored just one goal in eight games, but showed incredible strength to step up and win his biggest game.<\/p>\n
Haaland’s goal kept City in the title race, but that boat had long belonged to Liverpool. But make no mistake: the fact that Salah’s last Premier League goal came on November 1 is still a cause for concern, even if you take into account that he was on holiday at the African Cup of Nations. And what could impact this summer.<\/p>\n
3) Reunion of Kerkes and Semenyo<\/h3>\n
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Former Bournemouth stars Antoine Semenho and Milos Kerkes clash at Anfield (Image: Paul Ellis\/AFP)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Two of Bournemouth’s recent top assets, Semenyo and Kerkes, were selected from clubs higher up the food chain to compete here, with the former initially lining up on the right wing of City’s attack. And for most of the match, Kerkes held his own.<\/p>\n
The Hungarian has endured a difficult first season in a Liverpool shirt, but he was much better here. Had it not been for Erling Haaland’s decisive intervention after he was denied by Alisson within 90 seconds, the afternoon could have gone very differently. Although he was an aggressive and robust player, Semenyo immediately looked at home in Manchester City’s mighty side, but later moved to the infield to be closer to Haaland up front. Neither had much involvement in the drama in later years. What’s the verdict? It’s too close to call.<\/p>\n
4) Guehi’s warm welcome<\/h3>\n
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Marc Guehi (Image: Carl Lecine)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If things had gone differently, Marc Gehi might have played in a red shirt instead of a blue shirt. However, Manchester City benefited after Crystal Palace withdrew his return in the final knock of the summer transfer window.<\/p>\n
Given that Palace, not Guehi, was to blame for the transfer failure, the boos he received from the home fans were harsh. He stood up and explained himself properly. And City’s slow late show meant he could have the last laugh.<\/p>\n
5) Guardiola erases Anfield’s woes<\/h3>\n
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Josep Guardiola wins for the first time at Anfield since Covid-19 (Image: Paul Ellis\/AFP)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
He achieved much during his reign on this coast. However, Anfield was a difficult place for Guardiola to overcome. Until now.<\/p>\n
Before Sunday’s game, the Manchester City manager had only won one game in his visit to Liverpool. That was back during the coronavirus pandemic, when Anfield wasn’t really Anfield given the Kop’s absence. Victory marked with an asterisk.<\/p>\n
But no more. This would be very nice considering this may have been his last chance, especially if you believe the speculation about his future is increasing.<\/p>\n
Whatever happens between now and May regarding Guardiola’s future, in this case the job is done.<\/p>\n
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