The Premier League has provided information on two VAR reviews
The Premier League has provided information on two VAR reviews
The Premier League Match Centre released two VAR explanations during Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Newcastle on Wednesday.
Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League table was cut to seven points following a thrilling game at St. James' Park. The drama started when Alexander Isak opened the scoring for the Magpies in the 35th minute with a brilliant strike past Caoimhin Kelleher.
That was the first incident to be checked by the VAR official, as Isak was only just onside. "The referee’s call of goal for Newcastle United was checked and confirmed by the VAR as Isak was in an onside position," posted the Premier League Match Centre on X.
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Liverpool got back on level terms just after halftime through Curtis Jones before Anthony Gordon, who was linked with a move to Anfield during the summer, restored Newcastle's lead. That goal forced Arne Slot into a triple change, with Trent Alexander-Arnold - who was rested by the Reds boss - among those to be introduced at St. James' Park.
Alexander-Arnold reacted by setting up both of Mohamed Salah's goals to give Liverpool a 3-2 lead. Yet Newcastle equalized in the 90th minute after Kelleher misjudged the flight of Bruno Guimaraes' delivery into the box, allowing Fabian Schar to tap in.
Liverpool wanted a penalty in the 90th minute after Alexis Mac Allister's strike hit Dan Burn's arm, but nothing was awarded. The Premier League Match Centre took to X again to explain the decision: "The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball by Burn is checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming that his arm was tucked into the body."
Yet the game's most controversial moment came when referee Andy Madley blew the final whistle while Newcastle's players were in Liverpool's half on the break. "I was surprised by the final whistle because I think we’d spent around two minutes on a free-kick in extra-time, so I was expecting seven minutes to be played," said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. "I think it was 5.15 when he’s blown, so that was a blow because it looked like we were in a good position."
Slot, meanwhile, said he had "mixed feelings" after the game. He added: "We were outstanding in the second half but we were not good enough in the first half. Maybe 3-3 is what the game deserved. They were really aggressive and forced us into mistakes but we were so much better in the second half. I knew the game could be changed around, we were much better with the ball.
"After the week we had we could change the game which is a very positive thing to take. Every time we need Mo Salah he scores a goal. We are hoping and expecting he can continue this for a long time. He was outstanding in the second half, he did many special things for us."