Slot claims Liverpool progress not evident in outcomes

Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, maintained that his team is advancing, although the scores fail to illustrate it, following a tense 2-1 loss to Manchester City that further hindered their prospects for Champions League spots.

The English title holders have claimed only one success in their seven Premier League fixtures in 2026, slipping to sixth place and four points adrift of the top four.

Slot's players seemed headed for an essential victory at Anfield, powered by a spectacular free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, they surrendered two goals and Szoboszlai was dismissed with a pointless red card amid a disordered finish.

"You cannot compare this game with three or four months ago. We have improved so much, but we need to improve the results," said Slot.

"So many times this year we haven't got what I think we deserve and this is another time."

Bernardo Silva's levelling strike in the 84th minute triggered a wild closing period.

Liverpool allowed a late added-time decider for the fourth instance in the league this term, as Erling Haaland slotted in from the spot-kick.

Yet the intensity persisted, with City seeing an additional effort disallowed.

Rayan Cherki nudged the ball goalwards from the centre spot, as Liverpool's Alisson Becker advanced upfield seeking a reply.

Szoboszlai first held back Haaland, prompting the striker to respond likewise and block the Hungarian from removing the danger.

Both teams ended displeased with the ruling to void the strike and eject Szoboszlai via red card, sidelining him for the midweek journey to Sunderland.

"Come on referee, give (the) goal and go home," said City manager Pep Guardiola.

Slot, though, was outraged over an earlier call in the contest, back when it remained 0-0.

Marc Guehi got merely a caution for tugging Mohamed Salah near the edge of the area, though Slot contended the ex-Liverpool pursuit had plainly halted a scoring chance.

"If there is any incident we should talk about, it's when Mo Salah is one-on-one with the goalkeeper," added Slot.

"Anyone who has been to this stadium in the last seven or eight years knows that is a goal for Salah. Once again, the referee decides not in our favour."

Manchester City's initial away success versus Liverpool before spectators since 2003 positioned them six points from summit dwellers Arsenal.