Diogo Jota scored the winning goal against Everton that leaves Liverpool another step closer to securing the 2024-25 Premier League trophy. Arne Slot’s side have a seemingly unassailable 12-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with eight matches left to play, meaning the Reds are now likely to seal a record-equalling 20th league title.
However, Everton manager David Moyes insisted Liverpool’s winning goal should have been ruled out as Luis Diaz had strayed into an offside position in the build-up. “There's an offside goal which they get and that was the difference tonight,” Moyes told Sky Sports, per the Daily Mail.
The Scot continued: “I think the player behind [James] Tarkowski (Diaz) interferes with him. I think it's a clear offside, a very easy decision to give and I can't understand any reason why that wouldn't have been given as offside. None at all.”
Speaking to the media in his post-match press conference, Moyes added: “He is offside, yeah. I have not sought an explanation but I have said I am disappointed.
“It is quite an easy one to give. Diaz comes from behind. I don’t think many managers think they come here and get positive decisions at Anfield. But I think it was quite easy. He was along the line and it is really easy to give offside. I wasn’t sure how good the linesmen did their jobs. There were early flags, late flags.”
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Why Luis Diaz Was Not Given Offside
A detailed explanation has emerged
Luis Diaz offside vs Everton
(Credit: Sky Sports)
Sky Sports analysed the incident during their post-match coverage and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “When you look at the rules, there was no way this was ever going to be overturned.” Watch the clip below:
The Premier League’s current offside regulations state that a player warrants being penalised by the referee if they:
Prevent an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing their line of vision
Challenge an opponent for the ball.
Clearly attempt to play a ball which is close when the action impacts an opponent.
Make an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool Echo have provided a further explanation regarding the decision that allowed the goal to stand following a VAR check. They understand officials at Stockley Park ruled that Diaz did not impact Tarkowski, who was fortunate to avoid a straight red card earlier in the match, and his ability to play the ball. Therefore, they didn't believe the on-field decision should be overturned.
Wednesday’s result at Anfield leaves Everton 15th in the table on 34 points, still a healthy 14-points above relegation-threatened Ipswich Town in 18th place.