Did Liverpool catch a break? Why Diogo Jota's winning goal in the Merseyside derby against Everton was allowed, despite Luis Diaz being in an offside position at the start of the play—explained.
Diogo Jota’s winning goal against Everton was allowed after VAR review even though Luis Diaz was in an offside position when the move started – here’s the explanation
WHAT HAPPENED?
Jota broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, securing a crucial 1-0 victory for Liverpool against Everton in their tense Premier League derby. The winning move began when Gravenberch played a forward pass towards Diaz, who was marginally offside. Everton’s Tarkowski cut out the initial pass, but Jota pounced on the loose ball. After a quick exchange of passes with Diaz, the Portuguese forward slotted past Pickford. Following a VAR review, the goal was confirmed as valid, keeping Liverpool’s title charge on track.
THE EXPLANATION
Although Diaz was in an offside position, he did not violate any of the offside rules: he did not obstruct an opponent’s vision, challenge for the ball, attempt to play a ball near an opponent, or make any action that interfered with an opponent’s ability to play the ball
DID YOU KNOW?
Liverpool, meanwhile, were left frustrated when Everton’s James Tarkowski escaped a red card in the first half. The defender’s strong challenge on Alexis Mac Allister just outside the penalty area – while winning the ball initially – featured such a dangerous follow-through that many were shocked VAR didn’t intervene to upgrade the punishment. The Reds argued this should have left their opponents a man down for most of the match.
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool return to Premier League action this Sunday with an away match against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
