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Erling Haaland converted a penalty in stoppage time to give Manchester City a 2-1 win away to Liverpool and keep their Premier League title challenge alive.
Haaland’s spot-kick secured a come-from-behind victory for Josep Guardiola’s side and restored the gap to leaders Arsenal to six points in a frenetic football match at Anfield on Sunday.
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City’s chances of winning the title looked bleak when Dominik Szoboszlai hit a superb long-range free-kick against the post in the 74th minute.
And when Bernardo Silva equalized 10 minutes later, second-placed City still looked set to end the game eight points behind the leaders.
However, Haaland sent the away fans into a frenzy in the 93rd minute when he fired a shot into the bottom corner from a penalty after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson brought down Matheus Nunez in the box.
City substitute Rayan Cherki then had a goal from the halfway line, but it was ruled out by VAR, and Szoboszlai was sent off for a foul on Haaland as the ball crossed the line.
Together, these two clubs have won the last eight titles in English soccer’s Premier League. However, both showed flaws that opened the door to potentially ending Arsenal’s long wait to become champions again.
Haaland has scored just once from open play in his past 13 games, but the Norwegian’s uncharacteristic lack of confidence was on display in the first half’s best chance, inside the opening two minutes.
Silva’s deft passing divided the Liverpool defense, but Haaland’s shot, under pressure from Milos Kerkes, lacked clarity and was saved by Alisson Becker low on the left.
Haaland failed to break through any of City’s 10 shots in the first half, but he fired straight at Alisson.
Second-half slumps have been a consistent feature of City’s season, and although the visitors faltered again in the second period, a second-half storm saved their title challenge.
Hugo Ekitike should have taken the lead just before the hour mark after Liverpool’s lightning break when he completely missed a header.
Marc Gehi dragged Mo Salah down just outside the box, but was lucky to escape with just a yellow card.
However, it was City who were furious that they were awarded a free-kick which led to the opening goal, with Ryan Gravenbirch going down with minimal contact.
During Arsenal’s visit to Anfield in August, Szoboszlai scored the only goal with a stunning free-kick, and then curled a superb shot that hit the inside of the post before finding the back of the net.
But when City equalized with six minutes remaining, the Hungarian went from hero to villain.
Szoboszlai played Silva onside and volleyed home Haaland’s header for City’s first second-half goal in the Premier League this year.
Alisson then brought down Matheus Nunez to award a penalty and Haaland kept his cool to put City ahead.
Pep Guardiola’s side still needed a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma to put Alexis Mac Allister’s deflected shot behind.
With Alisson still up front, Cherki took aim from the halfway line and rolled the ball into an empty net, opening up the Liverpool goal.
However, a grapple between Haaland and Szoboszlai as the ball drifted towards goal ruled out the shot and City were awarded a free kick instead, giving Liverpool’s players their marching orders.
Silva, who was named player of the match, told Sky Sports that the win was an important one for City.
“I think the whole team knew before the game that if we lost, the title fight would be over. We felt we had to win,” he said.
“There’s hope and I’m going to fight to the end. I need to keep doing the work I haven’t been doing lately.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slott said he was disappointed with the lack of results and claimed some key decisions were made against his team.
“You can’t compare this game to three or four months ago. We’ve improved a lot but we need to improve our results,” he told Sky.
“So many times this year we didn’t get what we thought we deserved, and this time it’s that time again.”
Palace disaster in Brighton
Earlier on Sunday, Crystal Palace defeated rivals Brighton 1-0, ending a 12-game winless run in all competitions.
Ismaila Sarr scored the only goal of the game at the Amex Stadium, moving Palace nine points clear of the relegation zone and lifting Brighton into 13th place.
“The atmosphere was incredible and winning the derby was the perfect start to my career at Palace,” said Palace’s record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves on deadline day. “Before I joined, we had not won, so it was really important for us to win.
“This is the most intense game I’ve ever played, so I’m tired now, but it’s worth it.”
Saar scored the winning goal in the 61st minute with a run past goalkeeper Bad Verbruggen. This was his second goal of the game and his 10th of the season.
