Liverpool’s Slow Start and Controversial Southampton Goal
Liverpool looked lethargic in the first half against Southampton, and conceding to the relegation-threatened side summed up a poor opening 45 minutes.
Ironically, the goal seemed to spark the Reds into life, but replays suggest it might not have been legal. During a moment of miscommunication between Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, Mateus Fernandes intervened, getting a touch on the ball before the Liverpool goalkeeper. This led to Will Smallbone collecting possession and slotting the ball through Alisson’s legs into the net.
However, closer examination of the footage suggests Fernandes’ touch may have pushed the ball forward to Smallbone, who appeared to be in an offside position at the time.
Should Southampton’s Goal Have Counted?
Liverpool’s sluggish first half prompted a strong halftime talk from Arne Slot, with Southampton’s goal serving as a wake-up call. However, if the game had ended differently, there would likely have been far more frustration over this decision.
Fortunately, a much-improved second-half display saw the Reds turn the game around. As Paul Merson humorously put it, Mo Salah’s “800th goal of the season” helped seal all three points for Liverpool.
Had Liverpool not conceded, their performance might not have shifted so drastically after the break, but the failure of VAR to spot this potential offside remains a talking point.
It feels like a clear officiating error—one that ultimately didn’t cost Liverpool, but could have been far more controversial.
