A high-stakes Premier League encounter unfolded at Anfield, offering numerous twists and turns as Manchester City ultimately secured a crucial 2-1 victory over hosts Liverpool. This result proved pivotal for City, keeping their Premier League title hopes very much alive, while simultaneously delivering a serious blow to Liverpool's aspirations for Champions League qualification. The game was characterized by moments of brilliance, such as Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free-kick, and intense VAR scrutiny that shaped its dramatic conclusion.

The match saw Liverpool take the lead through a magnificent free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai in the 74th minute, a strike of artistry that initially appeared to put the reigning champions on course for a vital win and a boost in their top-four pursuit. However, Manchester City mounted a spirited comeback. Erling Haaland proved instrumental, first creating the opportunity for Bernardo Silva to net the equalizer, and then converting a penalty in stoppage time to secure the 2-1 victory. City briefly thought they had scored a third goal when Rayan Cherki found an empty net from his own half, but VAR intervention led to the goal being disallowed and Szoboszlai being controversially sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity involving Haaland.

For Manchester City, this win was a significant morale booster. Their title hopes, which appeared to be on the brink after Szoboszlai's opener would have left them nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal, were dramatically revived. Despite not performing at their best at Anfield, City's late rally, spearheaded by Silva and Haaland, underscored their championship pedigree. The three points not only reduced their gap to Arsenal to six points but also served as a psychological boost, particularly given that Arsenal still have to visit the Etihad. The manner of this victory, winning against a major rival even when not playing optimally, echoed previous campaigns where City overhauled contenders in the final stretch, a prospect that will undoubtedly haunt Arsenal.

Conversely, the full-time scenes at Anfield starkly highlighted Liverpool's disappointment. Manchester City's supporters celebrated a rare victory at Liverpool's famed home, their first since 2003. For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, this loss marked another setback in a season that has seen the Premier League champions' form plummet. Having led 1-0, Liverpool's late collapse, conceding Haaland's 93rd-minute penalty, became the sixth goal they have conceded after the 90th minute in the top flight this season, all in one-goal defeats or draws. This pattern of crumbling in the dying seconds is a habit Liverpool desperately needs to reverse if they are to overcome a five-point deficit to fourth-place Manchester United and secure Champions League qualification.

Individual performances also told a story of transition for Liverpool. Key figures like Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker, who have been central to Liverpool's success, showed signs of diminishing influence. Salah, known for his extraordinary record against City, was unable to decisively impact the game, suggesting his star might be on the wane. Alisson's crucial error, needlessly bringing down Matheus Nunes inside the box to concede the winning penalty, underscored a similar decline. While both players still have roles to play, their performances exemplify a team in transition, with the superstars of the Jurgen Klopp era beginning to lose their shine.

Dominik Szoboszlai, often Liverpool's hero this season and their goal scorer in this match, endured a particularly bittersweet afternoon. His sublime free-kick was a highlight, marking his fourth direct free-kick goal of the season, a feat not seen at Liverpool since Luis Suárez in 2012-13. However, his day ended abruptly with a red card in stoppage time. In a desperate attempt to prevent Erling Haaland from scoring into an empty net, Szoboszlai committed a holding offense. Following a VAR review, he received his marching orders for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, making Liverpool's loss even more costly as he will miss their upcoming trip to Sunderland.

The match was further defined by several critical VAR interventions, meticulously reviewed by former Select Group referee Andy Davies and analyzed by officials like Craig Pawson and John Brooks. The first significant incident occurred in the 68th minute when Manchester City's Marc Guéhi, who had reportedly been signed by City in a £20 million deal, pulled Mohamed Salah down as he advanced on goal. Referee Pawson issued a yellow card for a free kick, and VAR confirmed the decision, deeming it not a denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO) due to a covering defender and Salah's angle. This was considered a 'ref's call,' with VAR correctly not intervening. The second major call was in the 90+1 minute, when Alisson Becker clattered into Matheus Nunes inside the box. A penalty was awarded to Manchester City, a decision that VAR quickly checked and confirmed as correct, noting Alisson made heavy contact without playing the ball.

The most complex VAR incident unfolded in the 90+10 minute, resulting in a disallowed City goal and Szoboszlai's red card. With Liverpool's goalkeeper upfield, Rayan Cherki struck the ball towards an empty net. Erling Haaland and Szoboszlai raced for the ball; Szoboszlai pulled Haaland back, a clear foul. The referee initially allowed play to continue as the ball rolled towards goal, then Haaland, in turn, pulled Szoboszlai back as he attempted to clear the ball, which then trickled into the net. The referee awarded the goal. However, VAR intervened, leading to a comprehensive review. The goal was ultimately disallowed due to Haaland's foul on Szoboszlai. Subsequently, Szoboszlai's earlier holding offense on Haaland, which denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, was identified, leading to a direct free kick for Manchester City and a red card for the Liverpool defender. While complex and potentially unpopular, this decision was deemed by experts to be a correct application of the Laws of the Game, irrespective of the match's existing scoreline.