Liverpool v Ipswich controversy: ‘VAR’s last-ditch effort to disallow Gakpo’s goal’

Liverpool v Ipswich controversy: ‘VAR’s desperate attempt to rule out Gakpo’s goal’

Cody Gakpo’s second goal for Liverpool was upheld despite VAR “doing everything possible” to disallow it, claimed Paul Merson after their victory over Ipswich Town.

Arne Slot’s team entered the match determined to preserve their spot at the top of the Premier League table, and they wasted no time in making sure of it.

Dominik Szoboszlai, Mo Salah, and Cody Gakpo all found the net before half-time at Anfield on Saturday, giving Liverpool a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the break.

Although the hosts eased off in the second half, they still managed to add another goal, securing a comfortable 4-1 victory.

Gakpo sealed his brace with a header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross, with the right-back continuing to shine despite ongoing rumors about his future.

However, the goal was delayed by a lengthy VAR check to confirm that Gakpo wasn’t offside, a process that left Paul Merson unimpressed.

Discussing the wait for the goal to be confirmed on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, the former Arsenal player remarked (4:29pm): “No, Simon [Thomas], I told you it’s 4-0. Don’t listen to VAR, they were doing everything they could to disallow it.

“20 yards onside, and it took them an hour. Honestly, Mike, seriously, even with the naked eye, you could see it, couldn’t you?”

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean responded: “Yeah, 100%. Probably half a yard on, I wouldn’t say 20, but it shouldn’t have taken that long.”

Liverpool right to be frustrated over VAR delay

Though the correct decision was ultimately made, it’s understandable if Liverpool felt frustrated by the prolonged wait.

Replays seemed to show Gakpo was clearly onside almost immediately, so the delay in awarding the goal didn’t seem justified. This incident is part of a broader issue, as VAR has faced criticism this season for repeatedly taking too long to reach decisions.

Incidents like this are bound to increase scrutiny on the time it takes for decisions to be made, especially with the semi-automated offside system still not in place.

For Liverpool, however, the 4-1 victory was a clear case of “job done.” They kept their six-point lead at the top of the table, with a game still in hand.
Given that, this can certainly be seen as another solid performance for Arne Slot’s side, with the VAR delay likely being the most minor of blemishes on an otherwise successful day.