Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insisted his side are a more complete team than they were earlier in the season, despite suffering a damaging 2–1 home defeat to Manchester City that extended their poor Premier League run to one win in seven matches.
The loss leaves Liverpool four points adrift of fifth-placed Chelsea and currently outside the Champions League qualification positions, increasing the pressure on Slot as performances continue to outpace results.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s superb first-half free kick gave Liverpool the lead and briefly shifted the momentum in their favour, but City turned the contest late on. Bernardo Silva struck an equaliser six minutes from time before Erling Haaland converted from the penalty spot to secure the points for the visitors.
Reflecting on the game, Slot highlighted the fine margins that once again went against his side.
“A lot happens in this fixture, that’s normal,” Slot told BBC Sport. “We are disappointed not to take something from the game. In the first half, City were the better team in terms of control, even if they didn’t create many clear chances. In the second half, we were on top and had good moments.”
Liverpool’s habit of conceding decisive late goals continues to undermine their progress, a trend Slot openly acknowledged.
“We are almost getting used to conceding in added time, and it happened again,” he said.
Despite the league position, Slot remains adamant that Liverpool’s overall level has improved significantly compared to the end of 2025.
“You cannot compare this team to three or four months ago,” he added. “We have improved a lot, but football is about results. Too often this season, we haven’t received what I feel we deserved, and this was another example.”
Slot also expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly an incident involving Mohamed Salah that he felt could have changed the outcome. The Liverpool manager believed defender Marc Guehi should have been dismissed after appearing to impede Salah as he broke through on goal.
“If there is one moment to discuss, it’s when Mo Salah is one-on-one with the goalkeeper,” Slot said. “Anyone who has watched games in this stadium over the last seven or eight years knows that situation usually ends in a goal. Once again, the decision didn’t go our way. Referees have a responsibility to get these moments right.”
On the other side, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s mentality and resilience, as the victory moved them to within six points of league leaders Arsenal.
“I am really proud of the team,” Guardiola said. “The first half was incredible. After Szoboszlai’s free kick, Liverpool had momentum — it was a copy-paste of his goal against Arsenal, what a strike, what a player.”
Guardiola also singled out Silva’s leadership as pivotal in City’s comeback.
“At the end, the belief from our captain, his character and personality, made the difference. We are still six points behind Arsenal, which is a gap, but many things can still happen.”
The result reinforced Manchester City’s credentials as persistent title challengers, while Liverpool are left once again to reflect on missed opportunities, late fragility and the growing disconnect between performance and points.
