Image Credits: Imago Images
Dominik Szoboszlai has quickly become one of Liverpool’s most important midfielders, and his influence was clear again in a chaotic clash with Manchester City at Anfield.
The Hungarian has built a reputation for big moments since arriving, and his stunning free-kick looked set to swing a crucial Premier League contest in Liverpool’s favour.
The match carried heavy stakes.
City arrived fighting to keep their title hopes alive, while Liverpool were chasing ground in a tight top-four race.
Szoboszlai’s strike shifted the momentum, and for a brief spell it felt like Anfield had turned the game.
But the fixture refused to settle.
City responded through Bernardo Silva before Erling Haaland converted a late penalty after Alisson brought down Matheus Nunes.
Liverpool pushed forward in stoppage time searching for an equaliser.
With Alisson up for a corner, the game exploded into one final transition that would decide more than just the scoreline.
That frantic ending involved Szoboszlai directly, leading to a major VAR intervention that shaped the closing seconds and Liverpool’s immediate future in the competition.
The Premier League later clarified the incident through the referee’s on-field announcement after a VAR review.
The official explanation stated: “After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland, that pulls the shirt of Dominic Szoboszlai. Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free kick to Manchester City and a red card.”
The sequence came as Rayan Cherki’s long pass rolled toward Liverpool’s empty net with Alisson stranded forward.
Szoboszlai’s attempt to stop Haaland halted the break, prompting the review. While Cherki’s goal was overturned, the Hungarian was dismissed for denying a clear scoring chance.
From a Liverpool perspective, the decision added frustration to an already painful defeat.
Szoboszlai’s earlier free-kick brilliance ultimately counted for little, and his red card now leaves Arne Slot without a key midfielder for upcoming fixtures.
In a title race defined by fine margins, this moment showed how quickly momentum — and consequences — can shift.
#LIVMCI – 90+10’ VAR OVERTURN
After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Manchester City.
Referee announcement: “After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland, that pulls the shirt of Dominic Szoboszlai. Prior to that, Szoboszlai…
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) February 8, 2026
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