Erling Haaland loves a big moment and he saved his biggest for the very last kick of a breathless night at Anfield.
The Norwegian goal machine coolly slotted home a 93rd minute penalty to complete a stunning Manchester City comeback and drag Pep Guardiola’s side right back into the Premier League title race.
Liverpool thought they had done enough. The Kop was bouncing, the noise was rising and Arsenal were watching on with interest. Then City did what champions do.
Bernardo Silva had already wiped out Dominik Szoboszlai’s thunderbolt free kick with a late equaliser, but the real drama was still to come.
Deep into stoppage time, Matheus Nunes darted into the box and was sent tumbling after a clumsy challenge from Alisson. Referee Craig Pawson did not hesitate. Penalty. Cue chaos.
Haaland, staring down the Kop, showed ice in his veins. No stutter, no drama. Just power, precision and pandemonium in the away end. Goal number 21 of his league season and possibly one of his most important.
Moments later, City nearly rubbed salt into the wound. With Alisson stranded upfield, Rayan Cherki launched a cheeky finish from inside his own half. Anfield froze. VAR intervened. No goal, a red card for Szoboszlai instead and a free kick to City. It summed up Liverpool’s night.
It did not matter. City had finally done it. A league win at Anfield with fans in the stands for the first time since 2003. A rare sight and a precious one.
For long spells, it looked like it was not going to be City’s night. They bossed possession early but lacked the killer touch. Alisson denied Haaland inside a minute and again later in the half, while City’s front three buzzed without landing the knockout blow.
Liverpool grew into the game after the break. Hugo Ekitike went close twice and Mohamed Salah’s delivery caused panic. Then came Szoboszlai’s free kick, an absolute rocket, just as he had done to Arsenal here earlier in the season.
But this City side refuses to lie down. With a draw useless in the title chase, Guardiola rolled the dice. Silva struck. Haaland finished the job.
There is talk this could be Guardiola’s last trip to Anfield as City boss. If it is, he leaves with a victory that will live long in the memory.
The title race is far from over. City have made sure of that.