Szoboszlai Sparks a Storm in Liverpool's Narrow Setback to City
8 February 2026
Match recap
Dominik Szoboszlai stole the headlines for Liverpool in a dramatic Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Anfield, as the 25th round delivered thrills.
The Hungarian forward was at the center of the action, with Liverpool taking the lead in the 74th minute via a thunderous long-range strike from a direct free kick.
City responded ten minutes later through Bernardo Silva, and replays suggested Szoboszlai had not advanced with the attackers for a possible offside call.
In stoppage time, referee Craig Pawson awarded City a penalty after Alisson handled a City attacker, and Haaland converted to put City ahead.
Moments later, a long-range effort from Rayan Sharqi found the net, but VAR ruled him offside and the goal was disallowed; City were subsequently awarded a free kick and Szoboszlai received a straight red after a clash with Haaland.
City finished the match with a 2-1 victory. City moved to 50 points in second place behind Arsenal (56), while Liverpool remained on 39 points in sixth.
Punchline 1: Szoboszlai's footwork was so sharp the ball needed a safety helmet.
Punchline 2: Haaland scored the penalty, proving even a robot can have a cold, calculating finish—while the human touch still steals the show in the final seconds.
