Liverpool, Feb 9 (.) Erling Haaland converted a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to hand Manchester City a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Liverpool at Anfield, keeping his side firmly in the Premier League title race.

League leaders Arsenal had moved nine points clear earlier on Sunday, but City reduced the gap to six as Haaland held his nerve from the spot in the third minute of added time to seal all three points, as per the Premier League website.

Liverpool looked set for a crucial home win after Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock with a sensational long-range free-kick in the 74th minute, the ball swerving in off the right post beyond City goalkeeper Ederson.

City, however, showed resilience in the closing stages. Bernardo Silva timed his run perfectly to slide in and volley Haaland’s cushioned header past Alisson Becker in the 84th minute to restore parity.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Alisson brought down Matheus Nunes after rushing off his line, and Haaland calmly dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom-left corner for his first Premier League goal at Anfield.

Liverpool had a late goal by Rayan Cherki ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, while Szoboszlai was sent off in the dying moments after hauling down Haaland during City’s breakaway.

With the win, Manchester City move outright second in the table, while Liverpool remain sixth, five points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United.

. VAN ARN