A late flurry from Manchester City, spearheaded by their inspirational captain Bernardo Silva, helped keep Pep Guardiola's side alive in the title race as they beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield.

Two goals and a red card occurred in a dramatic finale which led to the match going well beyond the 100 minute mark. And it was Haaland's late penalty, plundered in the 93rd minute, which proved decisive in a game which exploded into life late on.

Both sides spurned chances in a chaotic and entertaining contest before Dominik Szoboszlai lit the touch paper with a stunning free-kick in the 74th minute. But Bernardo popped up 10 minutes later to restore parity.

Further drama ensued when Matheus Nunes was sent sprawling by Alisson, with Haaland converting from the spot. A third goal, scored by Rayan Cherki, was disallowed following VAR drama which resulted in Szoboszlai being sent off for dragging Haaland back as both jockied to try and reach the loose ball near Liverpool's unguarded goal.

But City's anger soon subsided as the final whistle followed, bringing three huge points in the title race. Here are Mirror Football's talking points...

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1) Szoboszlai stunner stirs City into life

When it comes to the title race, Paddy Power waved the white flag on Saturday night after Arsenal's crushing 3-0 win over Sunderland; they think the title is done. That triumph put Mikel Arteta's men nine points clear. And it looked like it would stay that way after Szoboszlai's late blockbuster.

But City responded like champions' Bernardo's goal gave them life, but in truth, even a draw wouldn't have sufficed. An eight-point gap at this stage of the season still felt insurmountable before another twist.

Step forward, Haaland. His penalty kept City alive in the title race and laid the foundations for some utterly chaotic final scenes after Szoboszlai pulled him back to deny him a second as Cherki's shot trickled towards goal.

2) City's big gun finally fires

Liverpool and Manchester City's battles for the title in recent years have been fuelled by the marvellous form of Mohamed Salah and Haaland respectively.

Both came into the game in the midst of challenging periods. Haaland had scored just once in eight games before he showed tremendous steel to step up and win the biggest of matches.

While Haaland's goal keeps City in title contention, that boat has long gone for Liverpool. But make no mistake, the fact that Salah's last goal in the Premier League came on November 1 - albeit with the caveat he spent time away at the Africa Cup of Nations - is still an alarming issue. And one that could have repercussions this summer.

3) Kerkez and Semenyo meet again

Two of Bournemouth's recent top assets cherry-picked by clubs higher up the food-chain, Semenyo and Kerkez did battle here with the former initially lining up the right of City's attack. And for large parts of the game, Kerkez held his own.

The Hungarian has endured a challenging maiden season in a Liverpool shirt but was miles better here. Were it not for his crucial intervention after Erling Haaland had been thwarted by Alisson inside 90 seconds, the afternoon could have panned out very differently. He was aggressive and robust while Semenyo, who has instantly looked at home among Manchester City's imperious team, was later moved infield and closer to Haaland up front. Neither were overly involved in the late dramatics. The verdict? Too close to call.

4) Guehi's warm welcome

Had things worked out differently then Marc Guehi may have been playing in a red shirt rather than a blue one. But Manchester City profited after Crystal Palace pulled the plug on a transfer back in the final knockings of the summer transfer window.

Considering it was Palace, not Guehi, who are responsible for the collapse of said transfer, the boos he was subjected to by home fans were harsh. He stood up well and gave a good account of himself - and City's late, late show meant he was able to have the last laugh.

5) Guardiola banishes Anfield woes

He's achieved so much during a period of dominance on these shores. But Anfield was the nut that Guardiola just could not seem to crack. Until now.

Prior to Sunday's game, the Manchester City chief had won just one of his visits to Liverpool: that was back in Covid when Anfield wasn't really Anfield given the absence of the Kop. A triumph with an asterisk.

But no more. This will feel extra sweet, particularly given, if you believe the growing speculation over his future, this may have been his final opportunity to do so.

Whatever happens between now and May in terms of Guardiola's future, in this instance, it's job done.

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