VAR Decision Sparks Debate After Diaz’s Involvement in Build-Up, But Reds Take Crucial Three Points
Liverpool kept their Premier League title charge on track with a hard-fought victory over Everton in the Merseyside Derby—but not without a fresh VAR controversy. Diogo Jota’s second-half strike proved decisive in a 1-0 win, though debate quickly shifted to whether the goal should have stood due to Luis Diaz’s involvement in the buildup.
With Arsenal’s earlier win over Fulham piling pressure on the Reds, Anfield was tense before Jota broke the deadlock in the 57th minute. The Portuguese forward showed quick feet to evade two challenges before slotting home, but Everton’s frustrations centered on Diaz, who had been in an offside position moments earlier.
VAR Checks—But Goal Given
Replays showed Diaz initially offside before receiving a pass, forcing Everton defender James Tarkowski into a stretched clearance attempt. However, VAR officials at Stockley Park ruled that Diaz did not directly interfere with Tarkowski’s ability to play the ball, allowing the goal to stand.
The decision left pundits divided, with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville leading the criticism. “I don’t like that one as a defender,” Neville fumed on commentary. “Diaz was interfering with play because Tarkowski had to stretch for it. I know it’s not in the rules, but for me, that’s offside.”
Neville, while acknowledging Liverpool’s deserved win, called for a rule change, arguing that Diaz’s presence clearly impacted the play. “They score from that, and I think it’s a definite offside,” he said. “I disagree with the rule—I don’t like it.”
Title Race Heats Up
The victory restored Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table, though Arsenal remain close behind. For Everton, the defeat deepened their relegation worries, with manager Sean Dyche likely frustrated by the fine margins that went against his side.
While Liverpool march on in their pursuit of the title, the debate over Diaz’s role in Jota’s goal highlights the ongoing controversies surrounding VAR interpretations—and whether the rules need refining to account for such situations. For now, though, the Reds will simply be relieved to have taken three points from a typically fiery derby clash.
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