City’s late comeback at Anfield: a controversial red card steal the show

Match report: City snatches late win after controversial red card

Manchester City beat Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday night in the 25th round of the Premier League.

Liverpool had taken the lead through Dominik Szoboszlai in the 74th minute, but City answered with a Bernardo Silva strike in the 84th and an Erling Haaland goal at 90+3.

Deep into stoppage time, at 90+10, Ryan Cherki sprinted forward and delivered a through ball that left Haaland in on goal; the ball crossed the line as Szoboszlai tugged Haaland's jersey, but VAR ruled the effort out and sent Szoboszlai off.

Refereeing decisions rested on the principle that there is no room for mercy when a red card is warranted, ending City’s celebration and reshaping the narrative of the clash.

Key moments

Haaland had a late tally nullified; Szoboszlai was shown a red card for the infringement. The result stands as City claim a dramatic three points at Anfield.

Punchline 1: The only thing smoother than Haaland’s finishing was the ref’s whistle—twice as loud, twice as dramatic.

Punchline 2: If VAR had a mood ring, it would be red right now—ruling on thrillers and sending players home with a souvenir card.