Image Credits: Imago Images
It was one of those moments that leaves every fan shaking their head.
Liverpool thought they had found their equaliser, only for the celebrations to be cut short by the linesman’s flag.
Virgil van Dijk had powered home a trademark header, the kind of moment that usually turns games around.
The away end erupted, believing the comeback had begun.
Then came the familiar pause — the dreaded VAR check.
Every supporter knew what might follow, but few expected what they were about to hear.
The referee’s call stood after review, and suddenly the atmosphere changed.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was livid on the touchline.
His players were stunned, the sense of injustice heavy in the air. It wasn’t just about the goal; it was about what it meant.
Momentum, belief, and a possible way back into the game had all been taken away.
Moments later, City doubled their lead.
The incident became the turning point of a first half that left the Reds trailing 2-0 and questioning how the game had slipped away.
So what exactly happened?
According to the official written explanation, “The referee’s call of offside and no goal to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Robertson in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper.”
The review found that Andy Robertson, though not touching the ball, was in the keeper’s line of sight and therefore interfering with play.
From Liverpool’s perspective, it felt harsh.
Manager Arne Slot didn’t hide his frustration.
“Slot is raging because two Donnarummas were not saving that and he had a clear sight of the header all the way from Van Dijk’s brow to the goal-line.”
To Liverpool fans, it looked like a clean goal — one that should have stood.
But the written reason is clear: Robertson’s position, not Van Dijk’s header, was what denied them a vital equaliser on a frustrating night at the Etihad.
#MCILIV – 38’
The referee’s call of offside and no goal to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Robertson in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) November 9, 2025
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