Bernardo Silva confessed to fearing that the Premier League title race was effectively finished before Manchester City produced a breathtaking late comeback to secure a vital 2-1 victory at Liverpool's Anfield stadium on Sunday. The Portuguese midfielder's crucial equaliser and a subsequent penalty from Erling Haaland transformed a looming defeat into a dramatic triumph in the final six minutes of a fiercely contested match.
Late Drama Turns the Tide at Anfield
Manchester City appeared destined for a damaging defeat, trailing 1-0 to a spectacular 74th-minute free-kick from Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai. With merely six minutes of normal time remaining, the title challengers' prospects looked bleak. However, Silva ignited the comeback with an 84th-minute equaliser, before Haaland confidently converted a penalty just three minutes later to complete a stunning turnaround. This victory, secured in the most challenging of environments, hauled City back to within six points of league leaders Arsenal with thirteen fixtures left to play.
Silva's Candid Admission and Guardiola's Cautious Outlook
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, City captain Bernardo Silva provided a remarkably honest assessment of the team's mindset. "I feel the whole team knew before the game that if we lost it, then the title race was probably over. We felt like we absolutely needed to win," Silva revealed. He emphasised the significance of playing at Anfield, describing it as "the toughest place in the Premier League by far." While celebrating his goal, Silva stressed the immediate need for a winner, which Haaland duly delivered. "The hope is there and we are going to fight until the very end. We need to keep doing our job," he added, referencing City's recent inconsistent form, with this being only their second win in seven matches.
Manager Pep Guardiola, while pleased with the result, refused to get carried away. "Six points is better than nine, but it's still a lot considering how exceptionally strong Arsenal are in all departments," Guardiola cautioned. He highlighted the demanding schedule ahead, including FA Cup, Carabao Cup final, and Champions League commitments. "Thirteen games is a lot in the Premier League. The last ten games, from my experience, are not a drama but so difficult. The important thing is to be there and to improve," the Catalan tactician stated.
Controversial Finish and Liverpool's Frustration
The match concluded amidst controversy when a potential third City goal, a remarkable effort from inside his own half by substitute Rayan Cherki, was disallowed. The referee pulled play back for a foul on Erling Haaland by Dominik Szoboszlai in the build-up, for which the Liverpool goalscorer received a red card. Guardiola expressed his frustration, arguing, "Common sense, come on. I know he pulled him, but how many pulls are there in a game when referees play on? Give a goal, 3-1, Szoboszlai can play and we're happy."
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was left angered and deeply disappointed by the result, which saw his team concede yet another late goal. Added-time goals have now cost Liverpool eight points this season; without those concessions, they would be comfortably third instead of sixth and five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. "I am feeling anger and disappointment," Slot admitted. He praised his team's second-half performance, stating, "It was a fantastic second half and I was expecting to be more than 1-0 up, and then we conceded two goals. The improvement we have made since three or four months ago was visible for everyone." However, Slot lamented that this progress is not reflected in the league table. "The issue is you don't see the improvement in the league table. That is always the most important reflection of where you are," he concluded.
