UK media react to Liverpool's loss to Man City as season at risk of 'imploding'

Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield in a dramatic finale and the national media were scathing in their verdicts, with Arne Slot's players now facing an uphill battle for Champions League qualification

Arne Slot's team lost again on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)

An eighth Premier League defeat of the campaign leaves Liverpool with a mountain to climb in the team's pursuit of Champions League qualification.

A 2-1 home reverse against Manchester City means Arne Slot's players now trail Manchester United in fourth by five points and sit four behind Chelsea, who hold fifth place – likely to be the final qualifying position.

Liverpool.com was at Anfield to capture every moment as it unfolded. You can read our full match verdict, player ratings, post-match analysis, and the thoughts of Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola on our dedicated pages. You can also revisit events through our live blog from Anfield.

Our colleagues from the national press were also present to offer their own expert assessments. Here's their take on proceedings...

The Times - Paul Joyce

Joyce wrote in The Times: "At the height of this rivalry, a few years back when Liverpool and Manchester City would stand toe to toe throughout and trade blows like two prizefighters, this was often billed as the match the whole planet should watch.

"There were times in the latest instalment when an estimated audience of 800 million worldwide may have wondered what all the fuss was about until a dizzying, final passage served as a timely reminder of why it is dangerous to ever look away."

Pep Guardiola picked up his first win as Manchester City manager at Anfield in front of fans(Image: Getty Images)

Joyce went on to describe the game's finish as a "truly remarkable finale."

Daily Mail - Lewis Steele

Steele wrote in the Daily Mail: "Szoboszlai, not for the first time this season, produced a magic moment but was let down by his team-mates. File it in the category of wondergoals that ultimately counted for zilch. After making Erling Haaland anonymous for 84 minutes, they ended up letting him score and assist another.

"It rather sums up their campaign. Glimpses of something special but most of them undone."

The Independent - Richard Jolly

Jolly wrote in The Independent: "A farcical finish, but a fantastic win for Pep Guardiola. He had waited a decade to taste victory at a full Anfield. When he did, with a comeback for the ages, seemingly capped by a goal from the halfway line into an empty net, pernickety officiating injected an element of absurd with a decision that no one wanted or needed."

Jolly added: "An extraordinary end was a familiar one for a team who have conceded four injury-time winners this season. If, for much of the match, this seemed a pale imitation of some of the epic encounters between Guardiola's City and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, the last half-hour brought drama to rival any. And, for Szoboszlai, a cruelty."

The Mirror - John Cross

Cross wrote in The Mirror: "Liverpool boss Slot will know that he has one hell of a job on his hands to save their season from imploding because their confidence and defence looks so fragile. The away end was bouncing and, as Guardiola and his players went over to the travelling fans, they were punching the air in delight with Haaland leading the chorus of delight.

"You write City and Guardiola off at your peril and what was equally telling was that when they looked done and dusted they just found a way to claw it back.

"This is a long way from a classic Guardiola team but they showed at Anfield they still retain the title-winning mentality and spirit which has set them apart for so long. It was a pretty ordinary first half lacking in action and drama. City were the better team and Marc Guehi looks an outstanding acquisition but they did nit create much. Nor did Liverpool."