Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Erling Haaland’s Reaction to Szoboszlai Incident Surprises After Man City Beat Liverpool

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Feb 8, 2026 2:17 PM ET

Manchester City defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield to remain second in the league table, six points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Liverpool took the lead in the 74th minute through a free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai, but Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland scored to give Manchester City the comeback win.

Late in added time, Liverpool were desperate for an equalizer, with Alisson Becker going forward for a header in the box, but Manchester City recovered the ball, and a Rayan Cherki pass towards Liverpool's net was chased between Haaland and Szoboszlai.

Szoboszlai was outrun by Haaland, and the Liverpool midfielder pulled Haaland to stop him. Haaland would then pull Szoboszlai, but the ball rolled into the net.

Just when you think you've seen it all, Manchester City score an EMPTY NETTER FROM MIDFIELD—that's ultimately disallowed by VAR. pic.twitter.com/Kt05spqI8C
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 8, 2026

Manchester City thought they scored to make it 3-1, but the VAR ruled the goal out for a free kick and a red card for Szoboszlai. Haaland spoke about the incident with Szoboszlai, and his response surprised fans.

Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield on February 08, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Erling Haaland on Dominik Szoboszlai

Despite Manchester City getting the win and getting close to securing the win after Dominik Szoboszlai's red card, Erling Haaland showed sympathy for the Liverpool midfielder after the game.

Haaland talks about feeling bad for the midfielder and said, "For me, of course, the referee has to follow the rules. But in the end, I feel bad for him [Dominik Szoboszlai] because he gets three games [ban] - just give the goal, don't give the red card. Simple as that. But I think it's the rules, it's just how it is."

Haaland and Szoboszlai have been good friends since the two were teammates at RB Salzburg from 2018 to 2020, where they played 19 games together.

Szoboszlai received a direct red card, but since it wasn’t for violent conduct, the Liverpool midfielder will only be ruled out for one Premier League match, which means he misses the match against Sunderland this week.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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