Haaland seals dramatic win for Man City at Liverpool

Haaland's spot kick sealed a comeback victory for Pep Guardiola's team in an explosive game at Anfield on Sunday and brought the gap behind leaders Arsenal back to six points.

City's title prospects looked in dire shape when Dominik Szoboszlai crashed a stunning long-range free-kick in off the post in the 74th minute. 

Even when Bernardo Silva equalised 10 minutes later, second-place City were still looking at ending the match eight points adrift. 

But Haaland sent the away fans wild by firing into the bottom corner from the spot in the 93rd minute after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson brought down Matheus Nunes in the box. 

"I was really nervous right beforehand. All my thoughts were getting in the back of the net," Haaland told Sky Sports. "Incredible feeling."

Even then, there was still time for more drama. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a spectacular save to push away Alexis Mac Allister's shot that was headed for the top corner. 

And City substitute Rayan Cherki looked to have scored from the halfway line — only for VAR to overrule it and send off Szoboszlai for a foul on Haalandbefore the ball crossed the line.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace ended a 12-game winless run in all competitions by beating their big rivals Brighton 1-0.

Ismaila Sarr scored the only goal of the match at the Amex Stadium to move Palace nine points clear of the relegation zone and leapfrog Brighton into 13th.

"It was an unbelievable atmosphere and what a way to start my Palace career, a win in a derby," said Palace's record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves on deadline day. 

"It was really important to win as there has been a run without wins before I joined.

"This is the most intense game I have ever played so I'm tired now, but it is worth it."

Sarr's winner came after he ran through in the 61st minute and fired past goalkeeper Bart Verburggen. It was his second goal in as many games and his 10th of the season. 

It was Palace's first win in any competition since they beat Shelbourne in the Conference League on December 11.

Australian Associated Press