Liverpool
How VAR and Advantage Rules Erased Man City’s Third Goal at Anfield
VAR review wiped out Man City’s third goal; Haaland sent off for denying Szoboszlai’s chance Anfield
Manchester City had a goal ruled out at Anfield after a VAR review and the match ended with Erling Haaland sent off. The sequence began with Liverpool’s half empty apart from Dominik Szoboszlai. Cherki picked up the ball in the centre circle and slid it forward with something between a shot and a pass into the stride of an onrushing Erling Haaland.
While the pair were about 20 yards outside the penalty area, Liverpool’s retreating midfielder pulled Haaland back. City’s No. 9 stayed on his feet long enough to get a fistful of Szoboszlai’s red shirt. Both ended up on the turf as the ball trickled over the line to Cherki. The referee, Craig Pawson, was then sent to the touchline monitor after a word from VAR John Brooks.
Pawson explained the outcome to the crowd: “After review, there is a careless foul by Erling Haaland, that pulls the shirt of Dominic Szoboszlai. Prior to that, Szoboszlai commits a holding offence that denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity. The final decision is a direct free kick to Manchester City and a red card.” The official played advantage after Szoboszlai’s initial offence, but Haaland’s subsequent foul took place before the ball crossed the line and therefore ended the period of advantage. Because Szoboszlai was the last man and Haaland had an open goal, the referee judged that an obvious goalscoring opportunity had been denied, resulting in a straight red and a one-match ban.
The decision to disallow what would have been a long-range strike prompted sharp criticism. Gary Neville labelled the referee a “killjoy” on Sky Sports commentary while other viewers expressed anger on social media. One reaction read: “Football belongs to players and fans, not to soulless, joyless pedants with no feel for the game. Senseless decision, an affront to football. Ruling out that third goal is one of the most ridiculous moments of the season, totally against the spirit of the game. The law’s an ass,…”
Others put responsibility on Haaland rather than VAR. One comment said: “If the ref had felt that Dom S had fouled Haaland in real time he’d surely have just let play develop and then, ultimately, play advantage? Advantage being a goal. VAR again, total rubbish. GET RID” Another noted: “People are saying VAR was wrong and that they should just “play advantage”. They do that and it’s no goal and a foul by Haaland; freekick to Liverpool for the tug on Szo. By Haaland making that tug back, he gave VAR no choice. Don’t understand why folks can’t comprehend that.”
Liverpool
Gravenberch Commits Long-Term to Liverpool and Sets Sights on More Trophies
Gravenberch signs new long-term Liverpool deal, targets trophies after growth under Arne Slot. this.
Ryan Gravenberch has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool and made clear his priorities for the coming years. The club did not release the exact length of the deal, but reports suggest it will run until 2032.
Gravenberch arrived from Bayern Munich in 2023 and endured a slow start, but he became a key figure last season under Arne Slot. That progression continued into 2025/26 when the defensive midfielder produced the best goalscoring form of his career, registering four league goals for the first time.
On signing his contract he reflected on the decision and his place at the club. “I feel really, really good,” Gravenberch told club media. “I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.
“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”
The timing of the new deal comes as Liverpool pursue silverware in two competitions this season. The club’s chances of ending the campaign with a trophy may rest solely on the FA Cup and Champions League, and Gravenberch acknowledged the short-term focus while outlining a longer-term ambition to return Liverpool to title contention.
“For the short term, [my aim is to] end the season as good as possible,” he continued. “And for the long term: win many more trophies with Liverpool. ]”
His progress from an unsettled arrival to a regular performer under Slot has given Liverpool a midfield option who combines defensive work with an improved scoring threat. The new contract secures that option as the club plans the next phase of its domestic and European campaigns.
Liverpool
Slot soothes concerns after Mac Allister withdrawn; Liverpool show midfield depth
Arne Slot said “I think so, yes.” after Alexis Mac Allister’s late withdrawal; Liverpool show depth.
Arne Slot moved to calm nerves after Alexis Mac Allister was withdrawn late against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday. The substitution looked worrying at the time, but Slot offered reassurance when asked about the midfielder’s condition: “I think so, yes.”
The match also marked the return of Florian Wirtz from injury, a timely addition to Liverpool’s squad, although the team did not ultimately require his influence to control the game. At the base of midfield, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch provided solidity and composure, while Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones delivered productive displays further forward.
Teenage winger Rio Ngumoha emerged as the standout performer. He “stole the show and was unfortunate not to join his teammates on the score sheet,” drawing praise and attention for his display. That performance intensified debate around the player who has been limiting his opportunities this season, Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo started in an unfamiliar role as a central striker and struggled to look comfortable. The draft of his performance underlined a wider issue: those difficulties can also be said for many of his appearances as a left winger this season. The continued rise of attacking options complicates selection decisions for Slot.
Wirtz’s introduction from the bench adds further options to an already crowded midfield. Slot now has an abundance of confident, in-form players to call on as Liverpool prepare for a demanding trip to Türkiye to face Galatasaray in midweek. If Liverpool’s attack-minded stars continue to build form, selection pressures will increase and Slot’s choices may be tested.
For now, the immediate concern over Mac Allister appears to have been eased. The match offered evidence of the squad’s depth and posed fresh selection questions as Liverpool look ahead to their midweek fixture and the remainder of the season.
Liverpool
Liverpool Lodge $116 Million Call for OIise as Rashford Forces Barcelona’s Hand
Liverpool have made a $116 million OIise call; Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. Transfer News Live.
Two developments dominate the transfer headlines: Liverpool have made a $116 million call for OIise, and Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. Both items arrived as distinct but related signals about activity in the market.
Liverpool’s move is notable for its scale. A $116 million call places OIise at the centre of significant interest, and the figure alone frames the situation as one that demands attention. The report that Liverpool have taken the initiative is the sole detail provided about that approach, and it is enough to underline the seriousness of the club’s intent.
Separately, Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. That phrase indicates action originating from Rashford that prompted a response from Barcelona. No further mechanics or timing are supplied; the fact given is that Rashford’s actions have compelled Barcelona into a decision-making posture.
Taken together, the two short reports point to a transfer environment in which high-value calls and player-driven developments coexist. Liverpool’s $116 million call for OIise reads as an aggressive valuation-led step. Rashford’s influence on Barcelona suggests a situation shaped by individual initiative rather than only by clubs negotiating in isolation.
There is no additional detail on negotiations, counteroffers, or outcomes. The information available is limited to the two core facts: Liverpool have made a $116 million call for OIise, and Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. From those facts, the clear takeaway is that significant financial commitment and player-driven momentum are both present in current transfer reporting.
As items of transfer news and transfer rumours, these reports will be subject to follow-up. For now, the record is concise: a high-value call by Liverpool centered on OIise, and a development in which Rashford has caused Barcelona to act.
