Premier League
Erling Haaland Isn’t Done Yet: Winners And Losers As Man City Keep Arsenal Sweating In The Title Race
Just when it looked like Manchester City were finally fading from the Premier League title picture, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva ripped up the script at Anfield.
City’s dramatic late win over Liverpool didn’t just revive their title hopes — it sent shockwaves through the race, left Arsenal nervously glancing over their shoulders, and raised serious questions about Liverpool’s alarming habit of late collapses.
This was City’s first league win at Anfield in front of fans since 2003, a ground that has historically been Pep Guardiola’s toughest hunting territory. On a night full of firsts, City also completed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since 1937.
Here are the big winners and losers from a Premier League classic.
Winner: Erling Haaland
If there was ever a night for Erling Haaland to silence doubts, this was it.
The Norwegian striker had failed to score in his previous Anfield appearances for City, missing a big early chance and watching Liverpool take a late lead through Dominik Szoboszlai’s thunderous free-kick. It felt like history was repeating itself.
But elite strikers don’t disappear — they persist.
Haaland rose above Ibrahima Konaté to set up Bernardo Silva’s equaliser before stepping up under enormous pressure to bury the decisive penalty. It was his first goal at Anfield in a City shirt, and arguably one of his most significant moments of the season.
Haaland isn’t done. And the title race definitely isn’t either.
Loser: Hugo Ekitike
Coming into the game, Hugo Ekitike was flying. Comparisons with Fernando Torres were circulating, and Anfield sang his name loudly.
Unfortunately, this was a night when hype met harsh reality.
Ekitike missed two huge chances — curling wide from the back post and misdirecting a free header set up by Mohamed Salah. Against elite opposition, margins are thin, and he didn’t take his.
While his debut season at Liverpool has been promising, his struggles against top sides are becoming a worrying trend. No goals against Manchester United, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and now Manchester City — twice.
Big moments demand big performances. This wasn’t one of them.
Winner: Marc Guehi
Few players thrived more under pressure than Marc Guehi.
Boos rained down from Liverpool fans every time he touched the ball, a reminder of the collapsed move that nearly took him to Anfield. Instead, Guehi delivered a masterclass in composure and authority.
He dominated duels, snuffed out through-balls, frustrated Salah, Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz, and even recovered from a rare lapse that earned him a yellow card.
City didn’t just sign a defender — they signed a leader. Liverpool felt that absence keenly.
Loser: Liverpool’s Late-Game Nerves
This defeat felt painfully familiar.
It was the fourth time this season Liverpool conceded a 90th-minute winner — already among the worst records in Premier League history. Arne Slot’s side showed fight, quality, and belief, but once again lacked control when it mattered most.
With Champions League qualification far from secure, Liverpool now face a very real possibility of slipping into the Europa League, a scenario few would have imagined earlier in the season.
Late collapses don’t win titles. They cost them.
What This Means For The Title Race
Manchester City are back.
Arsenal are watching.
Liverpool are wobbling.
If this truly is Pep Guardiola’s final season at City, then this felt like a statement performance — one that reminded everyone why City are never out of the race until the very last whistle.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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