Jamie Carragher braced for backlash as Liverpool vs Man City prediction backfires

Liverpool was stunned by Manchester City after a late collapse at Anfield, with Arne Slot's side surrendering a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1, and Jamie Carragher was left with egg on his face

Jamie Carragher said he would be surprised if Manchester City beat Liverpool before Sunday's game(Image: 2025 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher confidently claimed that Manchester City would struggle to win at Anfield on Sunday, but was humbled after the visitors secured a 2-1 victory.

City clinched a dramatic late victory after Liverpool initially took the lead through a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free kick. Bernardo Silva equalized for City after 84 minutes, before Erling Haaland scored a penalty in injury time to complete the comeback.

It was a late collapse by Liverpool, who also lost Szoboszlai to a controversial red card. However, Carragher boldly stated that City would struggle to win before the game, and his claims came back to haunt him.

Speaking in the Sky Sports studio ahead of Sunday's game, Carragher said: "I'd be surprised if City wins today. That's going to go everywhere, isn't it?"

The clip has since been shared by City fans on social media, with rival fans also calling out the former Liverpool star. Carragher did explain his reasons, leaning on City's historically underwhelming results at Anfield.

"Notoriously, Man City find it difficult at this stadium. Pep Guardiola does, and far better Manchester City teams than what they've got right now," Carragher added.

"Liverpool normally does well in this fixture, and I think with how Liverpool have looked in the last couple of games at home, a European game, and against Newcastle, scoring plenty of goals. Starting to look a little more exciting.

"Manchester City are going to play a game today that's not the one that Arne Slot keeps talking about, that's giving Liverpool problems... It will be a great game, it will be an open game, and I think that'll suit Liverpool, and it will suit City as well.

"Liverpool aren't great defensively... but Liverpool normally do well in this fixture."

Dominik Szoboszlai was shown a straight red card as Liverpool lost 2-1(Image: AFP or licensors)

The game was goalless until Szoboszlai converted his free kick in the 74th minute, but Liverpool failed to hold onto the lead. City equalized 10 minutes later, and then Alisson fouled Matheus Nunes inside the area in injury time.

Alisson is usually reliable for Liverpool and has saved them in games for the majority of his Anfield career. However, his rare mistake cost Liverpool as Haaland scored his first goal at Anfield since joining City.

The win was crucial for City as they continue to pursue Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. If Liverpool had won, City would have been nine points behind with 13 games remaining.

Liverpool is now sixth in the Premier League standings and faces Sunderland on the road next. Liverpool will be without Szoboszlai for the game, and Sunderland hasn't lost at home this season.