“Remontada at Anfield! ”: Manchester City edge past Liverpool in a VAR controversy-filled thriller

Erling Haaland scored his first goal at Anfield. (Image credits – Heute; Licence Details)

Manchester City mounted a sensational comeback at Anfield as they scored two goals in the dying minutes to stun Liverpool and snatch all three points. Erling Haaland bagged his first-ever goal at Liverpool’s fortress as Pep Guardiola's side kept their Premier League hopes alive with this crucial 2-1 win.

Arsenal had increased the gap to nine points, and it would've stayed that way if City had not mounted that incredible comeback against the defending champions.

Guardiola's side dominated possession throughout the game and created the most chances, but Liverpool could've won it way earlier if Hugo Ekitike had finished two golden chances. Arne Slot’s side took the lead late in the 84th minute when Dominik Szoboslai hit the free kick 25 yards out, leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma stranded between the sticks.

However, with almost no time left, Bernardo Silva pulled one back for City. Later, Matheus Nunes was knocked down by Allison inside the box, and Erling Haaland stepped up and calmly scored the penalty to complete an incredible comeback at Anfield.

Moments later, in a controversial moment, Rayan Cherki’s shot from his half went into an empty net, but it was ruled out following a VAR review as it adjudged Haaland to have fouled Szoboslai during the move but also sent Liverpool’s scorer off as he had obstructed the Norwegian moments before the incident.

Manchester City have now achieved a league double over the Reds for the first time since 1937. Things are not looking good for Liverpool's defence, as they've conceded the most goals in dying minutes in this year's Premier League campaign.

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Did VAR get it completely wrong in the end?

Manchester City thought they had scored a third goal, but it was later ruled out, which was one of the most controversial decisions made by the VAR this season in the Premier League. The referee judged Haaland guilty of fouling Szoboszlai moments before the ball rolled into the empty net.

Although the fans and pundits called the decision to revoke the goal unfair, it was the correct decision as per the laws of the game. Szoboszlai had pulled Haaland back when it was a clear chance at goal, but the referee had played on an advantage.

As the ball was about to cross the line, the Hungarian outpaced Haaland and was about to reach the ball before he was pulled down by the Norwegian, which was a foul from the City’s no. 9.

Therefore, these two situations were separately judged, as the first foul from Szoboszlai led to him getting sent off and the second foul from Haaland led to the goal being disallowed from an advantage position.

Gary Neville wasn't impressed by the decision from VAR and criticised it for ruling out what could've been a huge goal for Man City.

"I know there are rules, but there is the smell of the game. Talk about killjoys. Just let the goal be. You have just killed one of the great moments of the season,” said Neville. (sic)

He further added, "The reason fans watch football matches is for entertainment and for moments like that.” (sic)

Erling Haaland supported the referee’s decision and felt that it was harsh on Szoboslai at the end.

"The referee has to follow the rules; I feel bad for him. Just give the goal and not the red card; as simple as that. But those are the rules and that's how it is,” said Haaland following the game. (sic)