Liverpool's miserable run of form continues
VAR's run of questionable calls also continues.
After last week's mauling by Manchester City, some might have thought Jurgen Klopp's men were on course to bounce back with a win at high-flying Leicester on Saturday.
The Reds deservedly took the lead in the second half through Mo Salah only to experience a spectacular collapse to lose the game 3-1.
While another
high-profile error from Alisson might receive more of the headlines, it was an incredibly tight VAR call which sent Liverpool crashing to another loss.
Seconds after VAR had ruled for a Leicester free-kick just outside the area, James Maddison whipped the ball across the goal and into the far corner. The goal was swiftly ruled out for offside, only for VAR to intervene.
Daniel Amartey had not touched the ball as Maddison fizzed it across goal, but his attempt to get a toe to the ball appeared to be enough for the goal to be ruled out for interference.
However, the VAR official in charge also deemed that Amartey had been played onside by the back foot of Roberto Firmino, meaning the goal was allowed to stand.
Within seven minutes, goals from Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes had put the result beyond Liverpool, who could end the weekend in seventh place if other teams pushing for Champions League qualification win their games.
Though there was no denying that Liverpool had paid a heavy price for their poor defending, many of their supporters were in no doubt that a controversial offside call was the pivotal moment:
https://twitter.com/_lfcleanne/status/1360599563065831425
https://twitter.com/PrimeSadio/status/1360600969483018248
https://twitter.com/bypblo/status/1360599785548509189
https://twitter.com/JamieBish93/status/1360602889010491398
Following the game, Jurgen Klopp was asked if Liverpool's title defence was now over.
"Yes," he conceded. "I can't believe it but, yes."
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/1360645392950558728
Liverpool fans may find some Stockley Park relief, on Tuesday, as their team takes on RB Leipzig in the Champions Cup.
