In a match that encapsulated the highs and lows of Premier League football, Liverpool's clash with Manchester City at Anfield delivered drama in spades. Dominik Szoboszlai's exquisite free-kick briefly reignited hopes for Arne Slot's beleaguered Reds, only for a chaotic finale to underscore their turbulent season. As the defending champions stumbled to yet another defeat, questions swirl around Slot's tactics and Szoboszlai's rollercoaster performance.
The Build-Up: Liverpool's Desperate Need for Momentum
Heading into the fixture on February 8, 2026, Liverpool were under immense pressure. Arne Slot's tenure had been marked by inconsistency, with the Merseyside giants slipping down the table despite their status as title holders from the previous campaign. Manchester City, ever the benchmark under Pep Guardiola, arrived at Anfield chasing Arsenal in the race for silverware. The stakes couldn't have been higher, with Liverpool desperate to prove they could still compete with the elite.
The Anfield crowd, known for its electric atmosphere, was primed for a statement win. Early exchanges were cagey, with both sides probing for weaknesses. Liverpool, playing with a renewed urgency, dominated possession in the opening half-hour. It was during this spell that Szoboszlai, the Hungarian midfielder deployed out of his natural position, stepped up to deliver a moment of magic.
Szoboszlai's Free-Kick Masterclass
With the score locked at 0-0, a foul just over 30 yards from goal presented Szoboszlai with a golden opportunity. Manchester City's goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma—recently arrived in a surprise transfer—opted for a bizarre defensive setup, stationing only two players in his wall. Critics later questioned this decision, but in the moment, it left Szoboszlai with a clear shooting lane.
The 25-year-old, renowned for his dead-ball prowess from his time at RB Leipzig and now Liverpool, curled a sublime effort over the inadequate barrier. The ball dipped wickedly, evading Donnarumma's despairing dive and nestling into the top corner. Anfield erupted, the Kop end shaking with fervor. It was a goal that harked back to the glory days, momentarily masking Liverpool's season-long struggles.
Szoboszlai's strike wasn't just aesthetically pleasing; it was tactically pivotal. Liverpool had looked sharp, with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez threatening on the break. For a brief period, it seemed the Reds were turning a corner, poised to claim a vital scalp against their rivals.
The Turning Tide: City's Resilient Comeback
However, football's cruel unpredictability soon reared its head. As the game wore on, Manchester City's quality began to shine through. Pep Guardiola's side, trailing but unpanicked, grew in confidence. The equalizer came in controversial fashion, with Szoboszlai inadvertently at the center of the storm.
In the 80th minute, Bernardo Silva latched onto a through ball, firing past Alisson Becker. Replays showed Szoboszlai's positioning had played the Portuguese winger onside, a defensive lapse that turned the Hungarian from hero to zero in the eyes of the Anfield faithful. The goal sucked the life out of the stadium, and Liverpool's fragile defense began to unravel.
City's momentum was now irreversible. Minutes later, Erling Haaland— the Norwegian goal machine—won a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. The striker coolly converted, sending Alisson the wrong way and flipping the scoreline to 2-1. Liverpool's collapse was complete, their title aspirations dealt another blow.
VAR Drama and Szoboszlai's Red Card
The drama didn't end there. In a desperate bid for an equalizer, Liverpool pushed forward, leaving gaps at the back. Rayan Cherki, on loan from Lyon and playing for City in this fictional twist, spotted Alisson off his line and unleashed a audacious lob from inside his own half. The ball sailed into the net, prompting wild celebrations from the away fans.
But VAR intervened, reviewing the build-up play. Footage revealed Szoboszlai had fouled Haaland in the lead-up, a challenge that Gary Neville decried on Sky Sports commentary: "I just don't get this. He's fouled him. That's the foul." The goal was chalked off, Szoboszlai was shown a straight red card, and City were awarded a free-kick. The Hungarian's night, which had started with brilliance, ended in ignominy.
This incident highlighted Liverpool's disciplinary issues under Slot, with the team now down to 10 men and out of the game. City managed the closing stages professionally, securing a hard-fought victory that kept them in the hunt for the Premier League crown.
Analysis: Slot's Shocking Decisions and Liverpool's Woes
Arne Slot's post-match press conference was a study in deflection. The Dutch manager defended his decision to play Szoboszlai out of position, citing injuries in midfield, but questions lingered. Why risk the creative midfielder in a deeper role against City's pressing game? The free-kick goal masked deeper tactical flaws, including a porous defense that conceded twice in the final 10 minutes.
For Manchester City, the win was a testament to their depth and resilience. Haaland's penalty extended his scoring streak, while Silva's opportunism kept Guardiola's title dreams alive. Arsenal now face increased pressure, with City just points behind.
Szoboszlai's performance encapsulates Liverpool's season: flashes of brilliance overshadowed by costly errors. As the Reds lick their wounds, fans wonder if Slot can steady the ship. With the transfer window looming, reinforcements may be needed to salvage a campaign that's gone from promising to perilous.
In the broader Premier League context, this result intensifies the title race. Liverpool's dropped points open the door for challengers, while Anfield's aura feels somewhat diminished. As Slot reflected, "We showed fight, but not enough." The search for consistency continues.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Both Sides
For Liverpool, the focus shifts to upcoming fixtures, including a tricky Europa League tie. Szoboszlai's suspension adds to their midfield woes, forcing Slot to rethink his lineup. Meanwhile, City march on, their squad rotation proving key in a grueling schedule.
This Anfield encounter will be remembered for Szoboszlai's free-kick artistry and the ensuing meltdown—a microcosm of the Premier League's unforgiving nature. Football fans, buckle up; the season is far from over.
