Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool: FA awards Gabriel Jesus’ disallowed goal, ban Anthony Tailor’s erroneous decision
Merino’s header for Arsenal was swiftly reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR) due to uncertainty over his onside position. Following an extended review, the goal was ultimately awarded, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead at half-time, though some Liverpool fans expressed confusion.
The Premier League’s official “Match Centre” account on X later clarified, stating: “The referee’s goal call was checked and confirmed by VAR, as there were no attackers in an offside position.”
Bukayo Saka had opened the scoring for Arsenal in the ninth minute, with Virgil van Dijk quickly equalizing for Liverpool. Merino’s header came just before halftime. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville praised the action, remarking, “The first half has been excellent.”
Commenting on Merino’s goal, Neville observed, “I think Van Dijk is keeping everyone onside. It looks quite clear. Why is this taking so long?”
Former Everton and Chelsea winger Pat Nevin discussed Merino’s goal on BBC Radio 5 Live, noting, “The ball has been zipped into a very dangerous area, making it tough to defend. This will be checked because it’s very close. It looks slightly offside to me.”
After the goal’s confirmation, Nevin added, “You felt it was coming for Arsenal in the last few minutes. Mo Salah has barely touched the ball for the past 30 minutes, Luis Diaz has been pushed back, and Darwin Nunez has hardly been involved at all.”
