Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed frustration with VAR interventions following his team’s 3-2 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, but also pointed to recurring defensive errors as a primary cause for the loss.
VAR Controversy Fuels Frustration
The match’s pivotal moment came in the 14th minute when Benjamin Sesko’s goal, which extended United’s lead to 2-0, was reviewed for a potential handball. Despite a check by VAR Stuart Attwell, the on-field referee Darren England’s decision to allow the goal stood. Slot voiced his strong disagreement, suggesting that any contact, however slight, should warrant a closer look, especially given the ball’s trajectory.
“If it was a touch, which I think it is, in a ball sport, it has a certain curve, and it changes; it must be a contact, then we should have a debate if that is enough to disallow a goal,” Slot stated emphatically in his post-match press conference.
Slot further lamented a perceived pattern of unfavorable VAR decisions against Liverpool throughout the season. He recalled a previous incident involving a penalty awarded to Paris Saint-Germain after a soft touch on Alexis Mac Allister, which VAR overturned for Liverpool, only for a similar decision to go in PSG’s favor the following week.
Self-Inflicted Wounds Plague Liverpool’s Defence
Despite his grievances with VAR, Slot stressed that the team must shoulder responsibility for their performance. He highlighted the concession of “ridiculous goals” as a persistent issue that undermines their efforts. The second goal, in particular, was attributed to a “stupid position” where the ball was lost, rather than solely the VAR decision.
Former England striker Alan Shearer, speaking on BBC Match of the Day, agreed that the goal should have been disallowed for handball, stating, “I think it was handball. I don’t want to see goals disallowed for that, but when they are applying the law, it should have been disallowed.”
A Season of Decline and Looming Changes
The defeat at Old Trafford served as a stark reminder of Liverpool’s faltering title defense. Chants of “champions” from the away end acknowledged their previous season’s success but also underscored how far the team has fallen. Manchester United, who finished 42 points behind Liverpool last season, now appear set to finish above them in the league for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign.
Michael Carrick’s side also completed a league double over Liverpool, a feat not achieved since the 2015-16 season. Liverpool’s tally of 18 defeats across all competitions this season is their most since Rafael Benitez’s final season in 2009-10, indicating a significant downturn in form.
While Liverpool is likely to secure Champions League football, with a six-point cushion over sixth-placed Bournemouth with three games remaining, their performances have been inconsistent and unconvincing. The team appears to be counting down the days until the season concludes, with relentless injuries contributing to their struggles.
Impact of Absences and Tactical Lapses
Key absences, including record signing Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah, were felt at Old Trafford. Salah, watching from the directors’ box, was a notable presence given his strong record against Manchester United.
Despite having a full week to prepare and being aware of the task against Carrick’s revitalized United side, Liverpool delivered a poor first-half performance. The pattern of conceding first continued, and even after fighting back to 2-2, a late error from Mac Allister allowed Kobbie Mainoo to score the winning goal.
Looking Ahead: A Summer of Transition
Slot has previously spoken about the upcoming summer marking the beginning of a new cycle for the club. Securing Champions League football remains a priority, though Slot acknowledged the disappointment of not securing at least a draw after coming back from two goals down.
“I wouldn’t say I’m concerned [about qualifying], but I am completely aware that we need three points, and that is that is why I am so annoyed we did not get them,” Slot added. “If you are 2-2 and have come back from 2-0 down, you should at least come out with a draw.”
Regardless of Champions League qualification, it is clear that Liverpool is heading for a summer of significant changes, with the team’s performance this season highlighting the need for a rebuild.
Analysis: The Subjectivity of VAR Handball Decisions
Dale Johnson, Football Issues Correspondent, noted that both Slot and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag have had cause to complain about VAR decisions recently. The handball incident in this match was described as a decision that “could have gone either way.”
Determining handball, especially when the ball strikes a player’s hand or arm, is one of VAR’s most challenging tasks. The process involves using multiple camera angles to overcome depth perception issues and requires the VAR to be certain of contact before overturning a referee’s decision.
The interpretation of whether a handball has occurred can be subjective, and the VAR official’s judgment plays a crucial role. While slow-motion replays assist, over-reliance on extreme zooms is discouraged. In this instance, VAR Attwell apparently lacked the definitive evidence to intervene, suggesting he may have believed contact occurred but could not be absolutely sure.
The explanation provided by referee England to the captains underscored the difficulty of the decision. For Liverpool supporters, the belief that clear proof of handball existed is understandable, highlighting the ongoing debate and frustration surrounding VAR’s application in crucial moments.
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