Arsenal's first goal against Liverpool was unable to be checked for offside due to a technical glitch with VAR.
The Gunners got off to the best possible start against Liverpool. Turning over the ball in his half, Ben White passed the ball to Bukayo Saka who started off a frantic counterattack which ended with Martinelli putting the ball pass Alisson.
ARSENAL AHEAD INSIDE A MINUTE! 🤯⚡
Gabriel Martinelli has the Emirates rocking! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/1LGeCM9T8Z— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 9, 2022
Arsenal v Liverpool: VAR blind spot causes controversy
However, it has since emerged that VAR could not check the goal for offside due to a blind spot. Saka appears to be possibly offside when he receives White's pass. Due to his position, he was not in shot for each of the 5 cameras used for VAR in the Emirates. It seems that being unable to check for offside, video assistant referee Darren England had to stick with the on-pitch decision.
A possible offside against Bukayo Saka in the lead up to Arsenal's opening goal vs Liverpool could not be sufficiently assessed due to the 21-year-old being out of shot in each of the five cameras that are calibrated for offside line reviews. #LFC https://t.co/v20xJlG3Ve
— Tom Cavilla (@tomcavilla) October 11, 2022
Further Controversies
The goal would help Arsenal to a 3-2 win over Jurgen Klopp's side with Bukayo Saka scoring twice. However, the game was not without further controversy. In the first half, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes hand struck the ball from Diego Jota's shot inside the penalty box. Referee Michael Oliver deemed it not to be a penalty and VAR agreed with him.
📸 - Liverpool claim a handball from Gabriel, no penalty given. pic.twitter.com/ZAsaXZqwg1
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) October 9, 2022
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The controversy did not end there though. With the game tied 2-2 heading into the last 20 minutes, Arsenal were desperate for a winner. Pinging the ball inside the Liverpool box, the home side got awarded a penalty. Replays show that Thiago did touch Gabriel Jesus but it was minimal, and the Arsenal forward appeared to make the most of the challenge. With referees allowing players to be more physical this season, the awarding of the penalty seems to go against the trend.
Dermot Gallagher says the Thiago challenge on Gabriel Jesus was NOT enough to give a penalty. ❌ pic.twitter.com/V25cklNzoL
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 10, 2022
The result helped Arsenal remain on top of the Premier League whilst Liverpool continue their slump in 10th position.
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the marginal decisions go for his side next time as they face Manchester City at Anfield.
SEE ALSO: Jurgen Klopp Looks And Sounds Like A Broken Man After Arsenal Loss
