Haaland brace, Salah stunner: Premier League chaos live in title race
03.02.2026 - 21:03:24
Manchester City 3–2 Liverpool – Haaland vs Salah, pure box office
This one had everything. Manchester City edged Liverpool 3–2 in a thriller at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah putting on an absolute clinic in front of goal.
City struck first. On 18 minutes, Kevin De Bruyne slid a filthy through ball between Liverpool’s centre-backs, and Haaland did Haaland things – one touch to set, second touch a rocket low past the keeper. 1–0, Haaland, and the Etihad went crazy.
Liverpool hit back before the break. In the 34th minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped in a trademark diagonal, Darwin Núñez bullied his marker in the air and powered a header inside the far post. 1–1, Núñez, and Jürgen Klopp was fist?pumping on the touchline.
The match flipped again just after half-time. A messy corner wasn't cleared properly, the ball dropped to Phil Foden on the edge of the box, and he smashed a bouncing volley that deflected off Virgil van Dijk and wrong?footed the keeper. Officially, it goes down as a Foden goal, City back ahead at 2–1.
Then came the controversy. On 63 minutes, Haaland spun in the box and went down under a tangle with van Dijk. The referee pointed to the spot, Liverpool players lost their minds, and VAR got involved. After a long check, the penalty stood. Up stepped Haaland – ice cold, bottom?left, Haaland makes it 3–1 and grabs his brace.
Liverpool refused to die. In the 79th minute, Dominik Szoboszlai drove through midfield and slipped in Salah on the right. The Egyptian king cut inside and curled a ridiculous left?foot strike into the top corner. 3–2, Salah, and suddenly the Etihad went from party mode to nervy silence.
The final minutes were absolute chaos: Salah nearly equalised with another curler, Haaland almost completed a hat-trick on the break, and Alisson came up for a last?second corner. In the end, City held on.
Star verdicts? Haaland was a monster – two goals, constant movement, an absolute nightmare for Liverpool’s back line. De Bruyne’s vision changed the game, while Foden’s work rate and strike for the second goal were huge. For Liverpool, Salah was pure world class, carrying the attack and scoring a screamer, but he just didn’t get enough help. Van Dijk had a rough night – the penalty shout and the deflection on Foden’s goal summed up his evening.
Arsenal 2–0 Chelsea – Saka shines, Gunners keep their nerve
Earlier in the day, Arsenal kept their title hopes very much alive with a controlled 2–0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates. The scoreline doesn’t scream chaos, but this was a mature, ruthless performance packed with high?quality football.
The breakthrough came on 27 minutes. Martin Ødegaard found a pocket of space and clipped a gorgeous ball into the box. Bukayo Saka darted in behind, took it on his weaker right foot and slid it past the onrushing keeper. 1–0, Saka, another clutch moment from Arsenal’s starboy.
Chelsea had their moments – Cole Palmer hit the post with a low drive and forced a sharp save later on – but their back line was shaky all night. In the 61st minute, Arsenal punished them again. After a slick passing move, Gabriel Jesus wriggled free in the box and drilled a low shot inside the near post. 2–0, Jesus, and the game was basically done.
Saka was easily man of the match: a goal, constant danger down the right, and he absolutely cooked his full?back all evening. Ødegaard ran the rhythm, while Declan Rice quietly dominated midfield. For Chelsea, Palmer tried to drag them forward but got very little support. It was another forgettable night for some of their big?money signings, who went missing when it mattered.
Title race ripple effect
So what does all this mean? City’s win over Liverpool keeps them in the driver’s seat, but because Arsenal also took care of business against Chelsea, the pressure at the top is brutal. One bad week and you can slide from potential champions to chasing shadows.
Right now, the gap between the top three is razor thin, and goal difference could end up deciding everything. Haaland’s brace doesn’t just make headlines – it might be the edge City need if things stay this tight.
What does this mean for the title race? Click here for the live standings
Social Media Spotlight – Haaland's pen, Salah's rocket, fans losing it
The internet is absolutely melting down over that penalty decision on Haaland and Salah’s top?corner masterpiece. Neutral fans are calling it peak Premier League drama, while Liverpool supporters are still raging about VAR.
The Internet is Exploding: 3 Social Media Highlights
X Discussion: Fans furious over the Haaland penalty and VAR drama
My take: City look ruthless, Liverpool look tired
In my opinion, this felt like a statement night from Manchester City. When the pressure is highest, they still look like the most cold?blooded team in the league. Haaland might not touch the ball for stretches, but give him a half?chance and it’s basically over. Add De Bruyne threading impossible passes and Foden buzzing around everywhere, and you can see why they’re still the team to beat.
Liverpool, on the other hand, look like a side that’s one gear short. Salah is still absolutely elite – that goal today was outrageous – but they’re asking too much of him. The high line is creaking, the midfield doesn’t fully protect the defence, and when decisions go against them, the whole structure wobbles. If Klopp wants one last big push at the title, he has to tighten that back line fast.
Arsenal quietly might be the most balanced of the three contenders. They didn’t need chaos, they just suffocated Chelsea and picked their moments. If Saka keeps producing and Ødegaard stays fit, they’re not going away.
Final whistle: This title race is a sprint now
The margins are tiny, the stars are deciding games, and every single week feels like a cup final. Haaland’s brace, Salah’s stunner, Saka’s cool finish – those are the moments that will either win you a medal or haunt you all summer.
If you’re trying to make sense of how wild tonight’s results really are for the top of the table, you’ve got to look at the numbers.
Check full stats & standings now
Editorial Note: This article is for entertainment and information purposes regarding current sports events. Sports betting and financial investments carry risks. Please gamble responsibly. Always check odds and terms with the provider.
