Noted there were at least four controversies when Liverpool beat Manchester City with a score of 3-1 in the Premier League match 2019/2020 week 12 at Anfield Stadium, Sunday (11/10).
The Reds winning goals were created by Fabinho, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane. The Citizens’ only consolation goal was created by Bernardo Silva in the second half.
A number of controversies ensued in this Premier League giant big-match Here are four controversies that colored Jurgen Klopp’s squad victory over The Citizens:
1. Alexander-Arnold Handball
Man City players and the manager, Pep Guardiola, reacted after Fabinho scored for the Reds in the sixth minute. Because a few moments before the goal, Livepool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold claimed to be handball in the penalty box of his team.
Referee Michael Oliver thought there were no fouls and the game continued.
In replays, it was clear that Alexander-Arnold’s right hand which was active did touch the ball. But a few seconds earlier, it also appeared that Bernardo Silva’s left hand also hit the ball before falling down by Dejan Lovren and the ball hit Alexander-Arnold’s arm.
Referee Michael Oliver had asked for Video Assistant Referee (VAR) related to the incident. VAR then assessed that there is no need for a penalty.
2. Salah’s Goal Smelling Offside
The Reds’ second goal against The Citizens created by Mohamed Salah in the 13th minute was also considered to cause controversy. Salah successful welcoming ball from Andy Robertson bait on the right side of Man City’s defense.
But in replays, Salah claimed to be in an offside position before heading the ball into the goal of Claudio Bravo. VAR then decided Salah was not in an offside position.
3. Mane Violent Sterling
The Manchester City players were again inflamed on 64 minutes. The action of Sadio Mane pushing Raheem Sterling inside the Liverpool penalty box was not considered a violation.
The referee again asked for VAR, but the decision was still no penalty for The Citizens.
4. Alexander-Arnold returns to Handball
The controversy returned after the Citizens 1-3 behind Liverpool. Precisely on 83 minutes, Alexander Arnold claimed to return to handball in the Liverpool penalty box.
In replays, the Reds’ left-back wing-back hit the ball from Raheem Sterling. But there is no penalty for this incident.