Premier League clears up costly Alisson penalty decision during Liverpool collapse

Manchester City was gifted a game-winning opportunity against Liverpool after Alisson Becker conceded a late penalty, and the Premier League justified the referee's decision

Alisson Becker fouled Matheus Nunes as Manchester City was awarded a penalty(Image: AFP or licensors)

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker conceded a costly penalty against Manchester City in stoppage time at the end of Sunday's game, and the Premier League has explained why the call was made.

Alisson bundled City's Matheus Nunes over inside the penalty area following a shot, and the referee pointed to the spot. City striker Erling Haaland converted the penalty kick to secure a 2-1 victory over Liverpool, scoring his first goal at Anfield.

Alisson's foul was one of many controversial decisions in injury time, as Dominik Szoboszlai was shown a straight red card for fouling Haaland. Before a chaotic end to the game, the Premier League explained why VAR hadn't overturned the penalty decision.

"The referee’s call of penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Alisson deemed to have not played the ball and made heavy contact on Nunes," the Premier League Match Centre account wrote on X.

Alisson had the opportunity to make amends for his foul, and dived the right way, but Haaland's penalty was well taken. It was a disappointing result for Liverpool, who took the lead in the second half following a stunning Szoboszlai free kick.

Bernardo Silva then equalized for the visitors, before Haaland put City ahead from the penalty spot. City scored a third goal deep into injury time, but it was disallowed as VAR pulled play back to send Szoboszlai off for a foul on Haaland.

Alisson guessed the correct way but failed to save Erling Haaland's penalty(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

It was an important win for City, who stay six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. However, Liverpool has now slipped to sixth and is at risk of missing out on Champions League soccer next season.

"Another great Liverpool-Man City game as we have seen over the years. It is a very disappointing outcome," Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said after the game.

"They were more comfortable on the ball than us and it didn't lead to many big chances. Second half it was the opposite. And then for them when they were near our box it was a goal which is disappointing."

It was another frustating result for Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Getty Images)

In the second half, VAR cleared a penalty and red card check after City defender Marc Guehi fouled Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah. The contact took place just outside the box, but Slot argued that Guehi should have been sent off.

"We had chances when Curtis Jones has the ball and Salah makes a deep run. Unfortunately, Guehi intercepted it and then we all saw what happened," Slot added.

"If the game goes on, you are always hoping you can keep the energy going and then sometimes they make mistakes. We had a good and impressive second half but unfortunately it was not a positive result.

"We can talk about the decisions. I would like to talk about the one time Mo was through on goal and Guehi holds his shirt. Everyone who has been in this stadium in the last eight years knows if Mo is in that position it is a goal. So it is denial of a goalscoring opportunity."