Both teams delivered strong performances, and while the better side came out on top, the controversial decision to deny Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser may have significantly impacted the champions’ chances of turning the game around. ..Continue Reading
Jeremy Doku consistently troubled Liverpool’s defence and won City their first major chance of the match, earning a penalty that Erling Haaland failed to convert thanks to Giorgi Mamardashvili.
It didn’t take long for the Norwegian forward to find the net, with Nico Gonzalez adding a second before the break and Doku sealing the result just after the hour mark.
In Pep Guardiola’s milestone 1000th match as a coach, City delivered a dominant performance against one of his most challenging opponents.
Still, doubts linger over referee Michael Oliver’s choice to cancel out a goal when Van Dijk rose above the defence to score from a corner shortly before halftime—a moment that could have shifted the momentum.
Halsey, who oversaw 280 Premier League fixtures during his career, was adamant that the Liverpool skipper’s goal should have counted, despite VAR ruling it out due to Andrew Robertson being judged offside and interfering with play.
Footage showed the goalkeeper had a clear view, and Robertson didn’t attempt to engage with the ball, as Halsey explained:
“Being in an offside position itself is not an offence. So when [Virgil] van Dijk’s header comes in, is [Andrew] Robertson interfering with an opponent, becoming involved with active play, blocking the vision of [Gianluigi] Donnarumma’s view of the ball? For me, he can clearly see the ball, he’s not interfering with him. If anybody, you can say Doku is in line with the goalkeeper.
“So, for me, I think it’s a perfectly good goal, because he can clearly see the ball, and Robertson then ducks, so he doesn’t make any attempt to play the ball. Because if you do make an attempt to play the ball, then you do become involved in active play. For me, the goal should have stood. If that flag doesn’t go up, that goal is given.”
Arne Slot’s team have now suffered four straight away defeats in the league, increasing the gap to leaders Arsenal to eight points after the Gunners drew 2-2 with Sunderland on Saturday.
Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, climb to second and narrow the margin to just four points.
The title race is heating up, especially with Mikel Arteta’s squad set to face Tottenham and Chelsea—both top-five sides—over the next fortnight.
Still, it’s beginning to look like the reigning champions may struggle to stay in contention by season’s end.
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