The loss, sealed by a controversial late penalty from Erling Haaland and compounded by a bizarre stoppage-time sequence involving a red card to Dominik Szoboszlai, has left senior figures at the club seething over what they view as a combination of poor on-field decisions and yet another contentious refereeing call that cost them dearly in the Premier League title race.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of high drama. Liverpool took the lead in the 74th minute through a spectacular long-range free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, who curled an unstoppable effort past the City wall to send Anfield into raptures. The Reds looked set to hold on for a vital three points that would have strengthened their position at the top of the table. However, Manchester City fought back with Bernardo Silva’s equalizer in the 84th minute, before Haaland converted a penalty in the 93rd minute after Alisson Becker was adjudged to have fouled Matheus Nunes in a rash challenge while attempting to sweep up a through ball.
The real storm erupted in the 13th minute of added time. With Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson well out of position in search of an equalizer, Rayan Cherki launched a hopeful shot from near the halfway line toward the empty net. As Haaland sprinted to ensure the ball crossed the line, Szoboszlai appeared to hold him back, prompting Haaland to pull the Liverpool man down in response. Cherki’s effort trickled over the line anyway, initially sparking wild celebrations from the City bench and traveling fans.
Referee Craig Pawson allowed the goal momentarily before VAR stepped in for a lengthy review. After intense deliberation, the decision was reversed: Cherki’s goal was chalked off due to Haaland’s foul on Szoboszlai, but the focus shifted to Szoboszlai’s initial holding offense, classified as denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO). Pawson awarded Manchester City a direct free-kick from the spot of the original foul and brandished a straight red card to Szoboszlai in the dying seconds. The Hungarian midfielder now faces a likely three-match ban, a massive blow for Arne Slot’s side as they navigate a congested fixture schedule.
Insiders close to FSG have revealed that the ownership group is particularly incensed by Alisson’s role in the defeat. The Brazilian goalkeeper’s erratic performance—culminating in the penalty concession and his positioning that invited Cherki’s speculative shot—has reportedly seen him “thrown under the bus” internally. Sources suggest high-level discussions at the club are centering on Alisson’s decision-making in crucial moments, with some viewing his actions as the decisive factor that turned a winnable game into a damaging loss. While the VAR controversy over Szoboszlai’s red card has drawn widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike (including sympathetic comments from Haaland himself, who said post-match he felt bad for Szoboszlai and believed the goal should have stood), the owners are said to be more focused on preventable errors from their own players than on officiating grievances.
Social media has been ablaze with Liverpool supporters echoing the frustration, many pointing to Alisson’s “red mist” moment and poor positioning as the real turning point. One prominent fan account highlighted how the keeper’s rush out handed City the penalty and set up the chaotic finale, while others questioned why the club’s most experienced leader would expose the team in such a manner during a title push. The defeat leaves Liverpool trailing Manchester City in the standings, intensifying pressure on Slot to deliver results without key players like Szoboszlai.
This isn’t the first time FSG has been left disappointed by refereeing calls in big games, but the internal anger appears directed squarely at on-pitch leadership failures. With the title race heating up and tough fixtures ahead, the fallout from this Anfield defeat could prompt serious soul-searching at the club. Fans are demanding answers, and the owners—known for their measured, long-term approach—are reportedly determined not to let such costly lapses derail their ambitions.
The Premier League season remains wide open, but for Liverpool, this result stings on multiple levels: dropped points, a suspended star, and growing questions over individual accountability. Whether Alisson can regain the trust of the hierarchy—and the fans—will be a key storyline in the coming weeks.
