Liverpool fans anxiously awaited a possible reprieve when James Tarkowski’s stoppage-time equalizer underwent a VAR review during Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby.
However, the goal was ultimately upheld, and the Reds saw their expected three points reduced to just one.
Tarkowski’s dramatic 98th-minute strike was just one of several controversial moments in a match that featured no red cards during play but saw four issued after the final whistle, as referee Michael Oliver once again found himself at the center of attention.
Conceding such a late equalizer is always frustrating, but when it happens against a local rival under contentious circumstances, it becomes even harder to accept.
Oliver had already played beyond the initial five minutes of added time when Tarkowski scored, although a two-minute stoppage for a clash of heads between Jarrad Branthwaite and Carlos Alcaraz at 93:43 contributed to the extension.
VAR Ruling Favors Everton
Everton’s celebrations were briefly put on hold as VAR reviewed the goal for a potential offside in the buildup and a possible foul by Beto on Ibrahima Konate in the penalty area. Ultimately, both decisions went in Everton’s favor, though they may have been somewhat fortunate.
According to *Football Offsides* on X, which independently evaluates VAR calls, Abdoulaye Doucouré appeared to be slightly offside before Tarkowski’s goal. However, due to the system’s built-in tolerance level, the goal stood.
The Inconsistency of VAR Decisions
While some may argue that such a marginal offside shouldn’t disallow a goal, offside rulings are generally seen as objective—either a player is in an offside position or they aren’t.
Liverpool fans will likely recall a similar situation from October 2020, when Sadio Mane was ruled offside by the slimmest of margins, leading to Jordan Henderson’s late winner being disallowed.
The frustration from that decision was only compounded by Jordan Pickford escaping punishment for his reckless challenge that ended Virgil van Dijk’s season with an ACL injury.
Additionally, beyond the offside debate, Beto appeared to push Konate in the penalty area just before the goal. How VAR officials overlooked that remains a mystery that warrants an explanation.
Liverpool’s performance may not have been at the level expected of Premier League title contenders, but the nature of the equalizer undoubtedly leaves a bitter taste.
With no way to change the outcome, the Reds must shift their focus to bouncing back with a win against Wolves on Sunday.
