Manchester City pulled off a dramatic late comeback to beat Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield and keep their title ambitions alive.
Dominik Szoboszlai scored a stunning free-kick to give Liverpool the lead, but Bernardo Silva poached an equaliser before Erling Haaland converted a late penalty to settle the game.
Rayan Cherki thought he had scored a bizarre late, late third to cap a wild game with Alisson Becker well out of his area – only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR, which led to Szoboszlai being sent off instead.
Follow all the latest reaction from Anfield below:
Liverpool vs Manchester City live
- Liverpool host Man City in the Premier League on Sunday | Live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
- 90 +10' DISALLOWED GOAL! Cherki scores from halfway but VAR overrule [LIV 1-2 MCI]
- 90 +3' GOAL! Haaland scores from the spot [LIV 1-2 MCI]
- 84' GOAL! Silva scores late equaliser [LIV 1-1 MCI]
- 74' GOAL! Szoboszlai scores stunning free-kick [LIV 1-0 MCI]
Man City are breathing down Arsenal’s necks after frenzy and farce in rare win over Liverpool at Anfield
20:25 , Chris WilsonA farcical finish, but a fantastic win for Pep Guardiola. He had waited a decade to taste victory at a full Anfield. When he did, with a comeback for the ages, seemingly capped by a goal from the halfway line into an empty net, pernickety officiating injected an element of absurd with a decision that no one wanted or needed.
And yet the overall outcome was the same. As Liverpool led, it felt as though Arsenal were about to be anointed champions. “The whole team knew before the game if we lost it then the title race was probably over,” said Bernardo Silva. Instead, he helped revive it. Erling Haaland, policed well by Virgil van Dijk, enduring a frustrating afternoon, suddenly turned catalyst. A manager who had visited Anfield 10 previous times, winning only in lockdown, got the triumph that had always eluded him. “It is so difficult,” sighed Guardiola. “Anfield is Anfield: the tradition, the history, the crowd.”
Man City are breathing down Arsenal’s necks after frenzy and farce at Anfield
Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland have same reaction to Dominik Szoboszlai’s bizarre red card after City beat Liverpool
05:00 , Chris WilsonManchester City manager Pep Guardiola and match-winner Erling Haaland said they did not want to see Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai sent off in their 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Guardiola called for “common sense” after Liverpool goalscorer Szoboszlai was dismissed in the 103rd minute for denying City a goalscoring opportunity – even as the ball went into the goal.
Rayan Cherki had an injury-time strike disallowed after finding the net from the half-way line as Szoboszlai and Haaland chased the shot, with first the Hungarian fouling the Norwegian and then the City striker tugging back the Liverpool right-back, but with neither making contact with the ball.
Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland react to Dominik Szoboszlai’s bizarre red card
Midweek Premier League fixtures
04:00 , Chris WilsonThe next round of Premier League fixtures takes place this week, so here’s a list of the midweek games:
Tuesday, 10 February
Tottenham vs Newcastle - 7.30pm
Chelsea vs Leeds - 7.30pm
Everton vs Bournemouth - 7.30pm
West Ham vs Man Utd - 8.15pm
Wednesday, 11 February
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves - 7.30pm
Aston Villa vs Brighton - 7.30pm
Crystal Palace vs Burnley - 7.30pm
Man City vs Fulham - 7.30pm
Thursday, 12 February
Brentford vs Arsenal - 8pm
Premier League table
03:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the top of the Premier League table looks at the start of a new week!
The late, late @ManCity show leaves Pep Guardiola's men six points behind @Arsenal 📈 pic.twitter.com/XRRx58J0wX
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 8, 2026
Watch City's goals
02:00 , Chris WilsonHere are the highlights for both of City’s goals:
Bernardo Silva equalises for Man City! ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/NwVTjkS8Fl
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
Erling Haaland keeps the title race ALIVE! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/VxjQrJFFVk
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
Pundits: Carabao Cup final has important in title race
01:00 , Chris Wilson"I think the Carabao Cup final will be a HUGE moment for both teams" 👀
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
Jamie Carragher on Arsenal and Manchester City's meeting with silverware on the line... pic.twitter.com/YyQD8V8qct
Pundits criticise Liverpool
00:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s what the pundits had to say on Sky regarding a mixed Liverpool performance:
"They were BIG CHANCES... they weren't clinical enough!!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
Will Liverpool rue missed opportunities in their defeat to Manchester City and across the season as a whole? 😬 pic.twitter.com/qEQd0bDblc
Slot reacts on Sky
23:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Arne Slot said on Sky after the final whistle:
"Anyone who's been in this stadium for the last eight years knows that if Mo Salah is in that position it's a goal!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
Arne Slot chuckles in response to questions around refereeing decisions in Liverpool's defeat to Man City 🟥 pic.twitter.com/Zb6h8hVVAa
Should Guehi have been sent off?
22:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s the Sky Sport analysis of whether Marc Guehi should have been sent off for dragging down Mo Salah.
Consensus: probably not, it certainly would’ve been harsh.
Should Marc Guehi have seen red? 🤔🟥 pic.twitter.com/jzs99ptmts
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
Carragher doubts Liverpool's UCL qualification push
21:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Jamie Carragher had to say on Liverpool’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League:
"Liverpool would have to have a HUGE upturn to make Champions League"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
Jamie Carragher thinks there is a massive uphill battle facing Liverpool between now and the end of the season... 👀 pic.twitter.com/OcAppddnI1
Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland have same reaction to Dominik Szoboszlai’s bizarre red card after City beat Liverpool
20:40 , Chris WilsonManchester City manager Pep Guardiola and match-winner Erling Haaland said they did not want to see Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai sent off in their 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Guardiola called for “common sense” after Liverpool goalscorer Szoboszlai was dismissed in the 103rd minute for denying City a goalscoring opportunity – even as the ball went into the goal.
Rayan Cherki had an injury-time strike disallowed after finding the net from the half-way line as Szoboszlai and Haaland chased the shot, with first the Hungarian fouling the Norwegian and then the City striker tugging back the Liverpool right-back, but with neither making contact with the ball.
Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland react to Dominik Szoboszlai’s bizarre red card
Premier League results
20:30 , Chris WilsonThat’s the final game of the weekend done, so here are the rest of the results from around the top flight:
Leeds United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham
Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
Fulham 1-2 Everton
Burnley 0-2 West Ham
Bournemouth 1-1 Aston Villa
Newcastle 2-3 Brentford
Brighton 0-1 Crystal Palace
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
Van Dijk: 'We have only ourselves to blame
20:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Virgil van Dijk had to say in a brief interview on Sky:
“The penalty, it went so fast, we have only ourselves to blame. We quickly turn our attention to Sunderland, it’s going to be a tough one, hell of a job, and a good challenge ahead of us.”
Match stats
20:14 , Chris WilsonLiverpool have now conceded four 90th-minute winners in league matches this season - the joint-most by a team in a single Premier League campaign after Watford in 2017/18, West Ham in 2021/22, Watford again in 2021/22, and Southampton in 2024/25.
Next up
20:07 , Chris WilsonCity’s next game comes in midweek, with Pep Guardiola’s side facing Fulham at home on Wednesday night. That one kicks off at 7.30pm.
Liverpool travel to Sunderland on the same day, with that one kicking off at 8.15pm.
Watch" Szoboszlai's superb free-kick
20:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s the highlight of the goal of the day, even if it counted for little in the end:
"The technique you have to have to execute that!" 🤯
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
"Why not just have a bigger wall anyway?!" 😡
Roy Keane and Daniel Sturridge disagree over Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick. pic.twitter.com/hYvyDAE9gK
Slot: 'We are disappointed'
19:55 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Liverpool boss Arne Slot had to say on Match of the Day:
“A lot has happened, which is normal in this fixture. For us we are disappointed to come away without a result
“In the first half, Manchester City were the better team without creating many big chances but they had the ball more in our half. The second half, we were on top and had good moments. We went 1-0 up and hardly gave anything away. Just before the end, one deflected cross falls good for them and It's 1-1. We tried to prevent and they won the first header. Good anticipation from Bernardo [Silva] and good finish.
“We are getting almost used to conceding a goal in extra time, it happened again today.
“Second half we pressed really high and played good football. You cannot compare this game with three or four months ago, we have improved so much - but we need to improve the results. So many times this year we haven't got what I think we deserve and this is another time,” he added.
More from Slot
19:50 , Chris WilsonArne Slot also spoke to Sky Sports, so here’s what he had to say:
"Another great Liverpool-Man City game as we have seen over the years. It is a very disappointing outcome,” says the Dutchman.
"They were more comfortable on the ball than us and it didn't lead to many big chances. Second half it was the opposite. And then for them when they were near our box it was a goal which is disappointing. We had chances when Curtis Jones has the ball and Salah makes a deep run. Unfortunately, Guehi intercepted it and then we all saw what happened.
"If the game goes on, you are always hoping you can keep the energy going and then sometimes they make mistakes. We had a good and impressive second half but unfortunately it was not a positive result."
On the decisions in the game: "We can talk about the decisions. I would like to talk about the one time Mo was through on goal and Guehi holds his shirt. Everyone who has been in this stadium in the last eight years knows if Mo is in that position it is a goal. So it is denial of a goalscoring opportunity,” he explained.
Guardiola: 'The club has a bright future'
19:45 , Chris Wilson“I am really proud we won. The first half was incredible,” says Pep Guardiola on Sky.
“Liverpool had the momentum [in the second half], and after Szoboszlai's free-kick, a copy paste of the one against Arsenal, what a strike. What a player.
“At the end, belief from our captain; his character, personality, not giving up. In the end, we came back.
“We played well first half but we didn't produce what we should have. We had to be a little bit more composed. Defensively we were so brilliant. The pace of Ekitike, Mo [Salah] and Gakpo. The second half we expected that."
“We are not consistent over 90 minutes, but we strive to growth. We have been in that position many times because maybe we still are not completely ready. Maybe in one month we will be ready [when injured players return]."
“The club has a bright future. Really good signings. When everyone is settled, we will continue to be there.
"Despite what has happened today, we have many good things to fight for. We are six points behind, okay it is a big gap, but many things can happen,” he added.
WATCH: Szoboszlai sent off
19:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s the replay from the VAR controversy. Pundits seem to agree it was probably the right decision!
A CHAOTIC end to the game at Anfield! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/RYtK2yxriM
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 8, 2026
Premier League table
19:35 , Chris WilsonHere’s how the top of the Premier League table looks then:
The late, late @ManCity show leaves Pep Guardiola's men six points behind @Arsenal 📈 pic.twitter.com/XRRx58J0wX
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 8, 2026
Szoboszlai banned for one match
19:30 , Chris WilsonThe early suggestion is that Dominik Soboszlai will be banned for just one match as the red card came due to “denial of a goalscoring opportunity” rather than a foul.
The Hungarian will miss the match against Sunderland in midweek.
Gravenberch reacts
19:25 , Chris WilsonRyan Gravenberch also spoke to BBC’s Match of the Day, and here’s what he had to say:
“Amazing free-kick from Dom and then they score and then in the end the decision of the ref to give a penalty and they go 2-1. It was difficult after it.
“City were far better than us in the first half but in the second half, we were far better than them. That's why it's difficult to come away with nothing.
“When we played them away, they beat us 3-0. We had control today but we have to move on. Sunderland is waiting for us,” he added as he finished.
Guardiola on Silva
19:20 , Chris Wilson”He is one of the best players I have ever trained with,” says Guardiola on Bernardo Silva.
“He is the perfect captain. It is a joy for me as a manager to have him.
“The team comes first. His contribution is massive and he is one of the legends of this club,” added the Spaniard.
Guardiola: 'Give goal and go home!'
19:15 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Pep Guardiola has to say after the game, with the Spaniard speaking to Match of the Day.
"It was a brilliant advert for the Premier League. First half was really good and we lost a bit of momentum in the second half. Anfield can feel like that. After that, we played more direct and after that we lost the ball and we were so passive. What a strike from Szoboszlai and after that, led by our captain Bernardo, we come back.
"The spirit has been there and in general the first half was really good and second half a bit of fatigue. Omar and Erling were passive and that's why we struggled."
On the dramatic ending, he adds: "Come on referee, give goal and go home!"
'If we lost it then the title race was probably over'
19:10 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Bernardo Silva has to say on Sky Sports:
"For the distance that we have to Arsenal, coming here it is the toughest place in the Premier League by far but we needed to go for another goal. When I scored, I was happy but we needed another and Erling got it,” he explained.
"Very happy, but these points count as much as any in any other game. It has been frustrating the beginning of the year because we have not done our job properly. We could be closer to Arsenal. For me, you must imagine how tough it is to win here but I am really happy.
"I feel the whole team knew before the game if we lost it then the title race was probably over. We felt like we needed to win. The hope is there and we are going to fight until the end. We need to keep doing our job that we haven't lately,” he added.
Why was Dominik Szoboszlai sent off? VAR controversy explained as Man City goal ruled out in win over Liverpool
19:05 , Chris WilsonManchester City’s crucial victory over Liverpool ended in bizarre scenes at Anfield as Dominik Szoboszlai was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity – despite City scoring a goal from that opportunity.
Szoboszlai had earlier scored a stunning free-kick to give Liverpool the lead, before Bernardo Silva poached an equaliser and Erling Haaland converted a late penalty to give City the advantage in added time.
Rayan Cherki thought he had scored a bizarre late, late third to cap a wild game with Alisson Becker well out of his area – only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review, which led to Szoboszlai being sent off instead.
Why was Szoboszlai sent off? VAR controversy explained as Man City beat Liverpool
Match stats
19:00 , Chris WilsonManchester City have completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since 1937!
If City fans want a good omen, that was also the season of their first ever top-flight title!
Haaland: 'This is what we need to keep doing'
18:56 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Erling Haaland had to say after the full-time whistle:
“I was nervous, all my thoughts were on getting it into the back of the net. Incredible feeling in the end,” he says on the penalty.
“I’m quite tired! They managed to play good football but we managed to keep it away, look at Gigi [Donnarumma], incredible. Out of this world.
“I mean, let’s be honest, this place is so tough to come to, and we knew this. We started really well and we managed to stay in it.
“In the end, this is what we need to keep doing. We need to believe, and we need to start winning games, simple as that.
On the last goal being disallowed: “For me, the referee has to follow the rules, but in the end I feel bad for him [Szoboszlai], he gets three games [as a ban]. Just give the goal.
“It’s just how it is. I told him this is the first time I don’t want to speak with you, just go away!”
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:52 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:43 , Chris WilsonThe decision to disallow the goal and award the free-kick was met with a fairly strong reaction from Gary Neville on Sky. Here’s what he had to say:
“I just don't get this. He's fouled him. That's the foul. 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!’ he added.
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:37 , Chris WilsonSome bewildered fans in the stands at Anfield there, but they’ve just seen a superb second half and some real drama.
City move back to within six points of Arsenal, while Liverpool stay in sixth, four points behind Chelsea in fifth and above Brentford on goal difference.
'What a comeback from City'
18:36 , Chris WilsonThe reaction from Richard Jolly at Anfield after a crazy final period of the game:
“What a comeback from Manchester City. Erling Haaland will take his booking for removing his shirt in celebration.
“A farcical end, a seismic win for Pep Guardiola.”
FULL-TIME! Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:35 , Chris WilsonAfter a whole load of confusion and controversy, the referee blows the full-time whistle!
City stay in the title race on a dramatic afternoon at Anfield!
DISALLOWED GOAL! Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:33 , Chris Wilson90 +10 mins
DISALLOWED! It’s disallowed! That wrestling from Szoboszlai and Haaland is deemed a foul from the Liverpool man.
VAR says it cannot play advantage because Haaland also fouls the Hungarian afterwards, so the game is brought back for a direct free-kick from outside the area!
Szoboszlai is red carded for his efforts too!
GOAL! Liverpool 1-3 Manchester City
18:31 , Chris Wilson90 +9 mins
GOAL! City have a third and that will be that!
Alisson is up for the corner and he’s left his goal free! City counter and Cherki has the ball near halfway with the goal wide open.
He rolls it in and Szoboszlai and Haaland wrestle for the ball but it trickles in!
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:28 , Chris Wilson90 +8 mins
What a save! Another bit of great goalkeeping as Donnarumma gets across and gets a strong hand to a great hit from Mac Allister!
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:27 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
What a chance!Ait-Nouri finds himself clean through and hits a low effort that Alisson saves well.
Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:24 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
We’re now into the fourth of seven added minutes, though there’ll be a good two or three more for the penalty decision and goal.
Liverpool respond to the goal by bringing on Federico Chiesa for Kerkez, while City bring on Nathan Ake for Semenyo.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-2 Manchester City
18:22 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
GOAL! Haaland steps up and dispatches the spot-kick confidently, hitting it low and right into the left-hand corner past Alisson!
The title race is alive again!
PENALTY! Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
18:21 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
PENALTY TO MAN CITY!
The visitors have a penalty as the ball over the top finds Nunes, who nicks the ball past Alisson before being wiped out by the Brazilian!
An obvious foul and Haaland steps up to take...
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
18:19 , Chris Wilson89 mins
Half-chances at either end, the latest as Semenyo can’t quite produce the cross and Alisson pounces.
Arsenal are set to end the weekend eight points ahead in the title race...
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
18:16 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Szoboszlai looked dejected there for a moment after the goal, perhaps knowing that it was him who kept Silva onside.
He’ll have to get it out of his head and carry on now though, with both sides looking menacing when they get forward.
Liverpool respond to the equaliser by brining on Curtis Jones for Gakpo.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
18:14 , Chris Wilson84 mins
GOAL! City have the equaliser out of nowhere!
It all comes from a hopeful cross, Cherki finding Haaland and the Norwegian heading over the defenders and into the path of Silva, who nips in to squeeze it past Alisson.
Game on at Anfield!
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
18:11 , Chris Wilson80 mins
City are enjoying a bit more possession now but they’re not finding any gaps in attack, with Liverpool looking dangerous on the counter.
'Sensational from Szoboszlai'
18:08 , Richard JollyHere’s what Richard Jolly thought of that Liverpool opener at Anfield:
“Sensational from Szoboszlai, again. That might have been even better than his free kick against Arsenal.”
Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
18:08 , Chris Wilson77 mins
More pressure from Liverpool, with City unable to get out of their half since the opener.
The home fans can smell blood here!
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Manchester City
18:04 , Chris Wilson74 mins
GOAL! What a hit from Dominik Szoboszlai!
He lines up the free-kick from a similar range as the one against Arsenal.
And once again he produces a sublime effort, hit with plenty of swerve and cannoning in off the inside of the post!
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
18:02 , Chris Wilson73 mins
More pressure from Liverpool, who are still creating the better chances as both sides look for the opener.
Salah clips in a cross that Donnarumma beats away before the hosts win a free-kick around 25 yards out.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:59 , Chris Wilson70 mins
Salah blasts the free-kick over. Poor effort given the circumstances.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:58 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Huge shouts for a penalty here as Salah again goes down under the challenge on the edge of the box.
Replays show the foul was outside of the area, but was it denial of a goalscoring opportunity?
Guehi is shown a yellow by the referee but it’ll be checked!
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:54 , Chris Wilson64 mins
What a goal this would have been.
Liverpool counter quickly and Gakpo gets into space. He finds Ekitike in the box but the Frenchman produces a lovely flick to lay it off to the onrushing Wirtz, whose shot is blocked well by Guehi.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:52 , Richard JollyHere’s what Richard Jolly has to say on that spell of Liverpool pressure:
“This has been Liverpool's best spell of the game. They have finally had a shot on target, courtesy of Szoboszlai, and finally got on the front foot. The noise volume has gone up.”
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:50 , Chris Wilson60 mins
City do bring off Khusanov, with Ruben Dias replacing him. s it’s a concussion sub, it does not count as one of the alloted five that Pep Guardiola can make.
The visitors also bring on Rayan Cherki for Omar Marmoush.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:49 , Chris Wilson59 mins
A bit of a break in play here as Khusanov needs treatment for a head injury. Replays show Donnarumma’s knee colliding with the defender’s face, and he’ll likely have to come off due to concussion protocols.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:47 , Chris Wilson57 mins
CLOSE! Ekitike has to score!
Alisson kicks long to start the Liverpool counter and they have a 4-v-3.
Ekitike spreads it to Salah with a poor pass for the Egyptian, though the winger produces a superb pass with the outside of his foot to find Ekitike again, with the Frenchman having made the run towards the penalty spot.
Ekitike looks certain to find the net as he heads goalwards from a few yards out, but it rolls wide!
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:45 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Liverpool are upping the tempo at the moment but City have the latest chance, with Marmoush laying it off to Semenyo and the winger firing straight at Alisson.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:42 , Chris Wilson53 mins
CLOSE! Ekitike almost finds the first goal!
Great work from Wirtz in the area to keep the ball alive, and he ships it for Gakpo, who lays off a pass to Ekitike.
The Frenchman tries to curl a first-time effort into the far corner but it flies narrowly wide!
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:41 , Chris Wilson51 mins
The hosts have started the second half much better barring that close call from Alisson.
Szoboszlai is the latest to have a pop from just outside the area, but it’s right at Donnarumma.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:36 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Already a half-chance for both sides, with Salah scuffing from Gakpo’s pass before Marmoush shies away from a challenge and Alisson manages to clear having rced outside his area.
Van Dijk is next in the book after the Liverpool captain scythes down Haaland.
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:34 , Chris WilsonBack underway! The hosts get us started but a long ball over the top goes straight out of play.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:29 , Chris WilsonA huge half coming up for both sides then. City might well like the title bid is over if they end the day nine points behind Arsenal, but they’ve been on top and will feel like they can get a rare away win today.
Jamie Carragher says Liverpool have been “poor”, but the hosts are still in this even though they’re lacking control at the moment.
If it stays like this, Liverpool will end the day three points behind fifth-placed Chelsea and four behind Man Utd in fourth.
We’ll be back underway soon at Anfield.
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:24 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:19 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle to end an intriguing first half at Anfield.
The game fizzled out towards the end of the half but the majority of it made for interesting watching, with City controlling large parts and offering more in attack but Liverpool beginning to look dangerous as they settled into it.
A fascinating next 45 minutes is coming up!
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:18 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Just two minutes of added time at Anfield.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:16 , Chris Wilson44 mins
A great ball over the top from Konate finds Ekitike. The hosts try and work the attack but Khusanov does well to shepherd the ball out of play.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:14 , Chris Wilson42 mins
Szoboszlai delivers the free-kick, and it’s headed back across goal into the path of Salah. He goes down under the challenge from Silva, but again it was soft.
VAR check it but it’s waved away.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:13 , Chris WilsonThe thoughts of Richard Jolly at Anfield:
“Not sure what the figure will be but the number of times these two teams have given the ball away must be high. It is sometimes several in a few seconds.”
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:12 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Space opens up in front of Marmoush but his effort from long range is over. He’s booked moments later.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:10 , Chris Wilson38 mins
City try to make something happen but Silva can’t find the pass before Marmoush’s promising through ball is cut out well by Szoboszlai.
Van Dijk puts behind for a corner and City are once again creeping into the ascendancy.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:08 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Another shaky moment from the City ‘keeper puts Guehi in a difficult position, but Silva is there to help clear.
Just a bit of a lull in attacking activity now as both sides wrestle for control once more.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:05 , Chris Wilson33 mins
Shaky moment from Alisson there as he’s under pressure from Haaland and he can’t make the pass to Kerkez.
City win the throw and Rodri hits a speculative cross into the area. Haaland is there and does very well to get the shot away on the half-volley (and with the ball going away from goal) but his effort barely troubles Alisson.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:03 , Chris Wilson31 mins
A lovely pass from Wirtz into the path of Ekitike, but the Frenchman can’t make anything of it.
The Reds have imrpoved over the last five or 10 minutes, and it’s a much more even game now.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
17:00 , Chris Wilson28 mins
A little bit wasteful from Salah there. He’s unmarked as Donnarumma’s punch falls to him - with the Italian in no man’s land - but he tries to cushion the ball towards Ekitike at the far post and ends up only finding the roof of the net.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:57 , Chris Wilson25 mins
CLOSE! The first time Liverpool have found Salah in a good position, and it almost results in a goal.
The Egyptian has a pass fizzed into him just on the edge of the box, but Guehi closes him down well and the shot deflects wide of the near post.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:55 , Richard JollyThe thoughts of Richard Jolly at Anfield:
“Liverpool's attacking players have hardly had the ball so far. In the first quarter of the game, Salah, Gakpo and Wirtz only had three touches each.”
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:55 , Chris Wilson23 mins
City have settled very well at Anfield and they’re in control of this one at the moment. It’s just not happening for Liverpool in attack.
The visitors have a couple of half-chances but Marmoush and Semenyo both see their efforts deflected behind.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:51 , Chris Wilson19 mins
City have certainly looked the most dangerous of the two sides, and a Marmoush corner is their latest chance as only a superb clearing header from Szoboszlai prevents Guehi from a free header.
Another venture forward sees Rayan Ait-Nouri win a free-kick on the left wing, though Silva’s delivery is headed away easily enough.
'Donnarumma uncertain in possession'
16:47 , Richard JollyThe thoughts of Richard Jolly, who is in place at Anfield:
“A couple of moments already when Gianluigi Donnarumma has looked very uncertain in possession. If City need to make sure they don't assume they still have Ederson behind them, it is worth noting some of these players - Guehi, Ait-Nouri, Khusanov - never or hardly played with Ederson anyway.”
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:47 , Chris Wilson16 mins
A sublime touch from Wirtz to continue a Liverpool counter, though Salah can’t find the through ball to Ekitike.
At the other end, Konate bundles over Marmoush in the area, though the Egyptian went down too easily.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:45 , Chris Wilson14 mins
Calm play from Rodri as he escapes from the high pressing of Wirtz in his own box.
The hosts are applying plenty of pressure when City have it in their defensive third, but Guardiola’s side are holding firm for now.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:43 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Marmoush is sent clean through by Haaland but drags hos shot wide of the target! No matter though, as he was a fair bit offside.
The visitors do look dangerous with that trio of Marmoush, Haaland and Semenyo up front.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:42 , Chris Wilson11 mins
And now a free-kick on the right for the hosts, but Donnarumma does well to punch away. City try and launch a counter but Kerkez does well to hook away a clearance under pressure.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:41 , Chris Wilson8 mins
Both sides already looking fairly settled in possession, though Liverpool have opted for a high press when the visitors have the ball near their own box.
City win a free-kick and Silva swings it in towards Khusanov at the back post, but the defender heads wide. Never troubling Alisson.
Boos for Guehi
16:39 , Chris WilsonThe thoughts of Richard Jolly, who is in place at Anfield:
“First touch for Marc Guehi and first boos from the Liverpool fans. Although it wasn't Guehi's fault his deadline-day move to Anfield broke down in the summer.”
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:36 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Great pressing from Ekitike to rob the ball from Khusanov, but he can’t find a teammate with his cutback.
The game already has a great tempo, feeling similarly frantic to some of those meetings between the two during Klopp’s time at Anfield.
Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:33 , Chris Wilson2 mins
CLOSE! Haaland should have put City ahead already!
It all stems from some lovely play from Silva, who drives towards the box and slips a pass into the path of the Norwegian.
He’s 1-v-1 with Alisson but the ‘keeper is off his line to save well before Kerkez covers to stop Haaland tapping in the rebound!
KICK-OFF! Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City
16:31 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Anfield! Can City keep within touching distance of Arsenal, or will Liverpool strengthen their bid for top four?
Liverpool vs Manchester City live
16:26 , Chris WilsonBoth sets of players are out of the tunnel at Anfield, and we’ll be underway soon here!
A huge game at the top of the table.
Guardiola: 'We have to show our personality'
16:22 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Pep Guardiola had to say ahead of kick-off:
“As always, be ourselves [is the key thing]. Try to be close to who we are. Here is a stadium where we have to show our personality.
“Bernardo, like Ruben, is back, it’s important to have him and Rodri. We’re going to fight to win.
“Hopefully he’ll score two goals! He gave us special things,” he says regarding Omar Marmoush.
“You’ll see,” he adds when questioned whether Marmoush will partner Erling Haaland up front.
Liverpool vs Manchester City live
16:17 , Chris Wilson
Slot: 'There is a lot of motivation'
16:13 , Chris Wilson“There is a lot of motivation for today, because we need points, because we were outplayed [at the Etihad],” says Arne Slot ahead of kick-off.
“We were unlucky with the decisions, but they were the better team. That’s something we’ll use today.
“It’s difficult to say [what kind of game suits them]. We’ve both shown we’re good in possesion, both are able to create open-play chances, and we’ve both shown our threat. We can all understand that a proper counter-attack can be useful for both sides,” he added.
What’s really happening with Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot as their campaigns turn erratic
16:10 , Miguel DelaneyThe article below is an excerpt from Miguel Delaney’s latest members-only Inside Football newsletter. To read the rest and get his latest reporting, insight, and commentary delivered straight to your inbox, become a member or Independent Premium subscriber here.
If you’ve already joined, check your inbox for the full edition.
As Liverpool prepare a game plan for their multi-layered clash with Manchester City on Sunday, there is a clear awareness of the need to approach the match in “stages.”
In other words, facing Guardiola’s side in the eighth minute is very different from facing them in the 80th. Newcastle United demonstrated that in an otherwise crushing Carabao Cup defeat.
As noted in this newsletter on Monday, opposition sides are now fully aware of how assistant Pep Lijnders’ shift to a more intense pressing style has left City vulnerable late in games.
What’s really happening with Guardiola and Slot as their campaigns turn erratic
Return of the Pep
16:05 , Will CastlePep Lijnders is back at Anfield, but in the colours of his former rivals.
Lijnders was a disciple of Jurgen Klopp’s and was integral to the setup that delivered so much success for Liverpool over the German’s nine seasons in charge.
Asked whether it will be strange being in the away dressing room ahead of today, Lijnders said: “No, because I’m a professional, we played them here (at the Etihad Stadium).
“When we go to Anfield, it will be maybe more special for my family than for me. But my mindset is to win and to try to beat them.”
Arne Slot hopeful video with Richard Hughes will prove he has Liverpool’s backing
16:00 , Chris WilsonArne Slot hopes Liverpool fans will believe he has the backing of sporting director Richard Hughes after seeing their close relationship on a video.
Slot has long insisted he had the support of Liverpool’s hierarchy, even in a run of nine defeats in 12 games, and that he and Hughes talk regularly and are in agreement.
But Hughes, who was key in appointing the Dutchman in 2024, has hardly spoken in public since his arrival from Bournemouth until Liverpool released an in-house interview with both men and CEO Billy Hogan this week.
Arne Slot hopeful video with Richard Hughes will prove he has Liverpool’s backing
Players arrive at Anfield
15:55 , Will Castle
Match stats
15:50 , Chris WilsonErling Haaland has failed to score in all three of his Premier League away games against Liverpool. Anfield is one of just two grounds he’s played at but not scored in the competition, along with Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Hugo Ekitiké has scored or assisted every 112 minutes in the Premier League this season (10 goals, 2 assists in 1,342 minutes), the best ratio by a Liverpool player in their first season at the club since Mohamed Salah in 2017/18.
Virgil van Dijk: Pundits have ‘duty of responsibility’ to new generation of players and shouldn’t ‘bully’ them
15:40 , Chris WilsonVirgil van Dijk believes pundits have a “duty of responsibility” to the new generation of footballers and should not give in to the temptation of lambasting players for clicks.
Liverpool captain Van Dijk has spoken out about media criticism this season and was involved in a back and forth with former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, confronting the now-pundit over his comments on air after Liverpool beat Real Madrid in the Champions League.
At 34, the seasoned defender says he can handle scrutiny but fears the growing impetus on social media viriality could lead to younger players from becoming unnecessary engulfed by online criticism, sparked by scathing words from pundits.
Van Dijk: Pundits have ‘duty of responsibility’ to new generation of players
'Guardiola's team selection is interesting'
15:35 , Richard JollyHere’s some analysis of that team news from Richard Jolly, who is in place at Anfield ahead of kick-off:
“Liverpool did the double over Manchester City last season, including an away win in February. Now it is the chance for City to do likewise.
“Pep Guardiola's team selection is interesting, with Nico O'Reilly in a distinctly solid midfield, where Bernardo Silva is passed fit to start, while he goes for pace on the flanks and Erling Haaland in attack.
“To put it another way, three of his attacking midfielders are benched, in the in-form Rayan Cherki and the out-of-form Phil Foden, plus Tijjani Reijnders, who played well against Newcastle on Wednesday.”
Team news
15:30 , Chris WilsonUnsurprisingly, Arne Slot has made no changes to his starting XI, with the Reds in the middle of an injury crisis that sees Dominik Szoboszlai start at right-back once again.
Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch anchor midfield once more, with the attacking trio of Mo Salah, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo once again supporting Hugo Ekitike up front.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
