Another Week, Another VAR Controversy
Liverpool 2 – 1 Sheffield United | 24 October | Anfield
Well well well, another week came and went, and VAR tried to keep Liverpool from getting the three points. There are some big takeaways from the game over the weekend, but most importantly – this was a massive bounce back week for Liverpool. Grinding out two wins to get them back on track is exactly what supporters (and the team) love to see.
Joe Gomez’s Performance
The first major takeaway from the Sheffield game: Joe Gomez was, in a word, immense. He stepped in and looked like a world-class center back. He looked like a very capable fill-in for the role that Big Virg is leaving empty for the rest of the season. With the Matip injury, Fabinho partnered at center-back, and much as he did against Chelsea, he looked and made me feel very comfortable. In my mind, that is the pairing Jurgen Klopp should move forward with for the rest of the season.
The Return of Alisson
My next major takeaway from Saturday is that Allison is back. Thank you Adrian for your fill-in service, but I hope I do not have to watch him play in a Liverpool jersey again. He is such a stress-inducing keeper to watch – he has honestly taken years off of my life. There is an overwhelming sense of calm that comes with the Brazilian being in the net, and I am just so glad to have him back.
Liverpool Attack Is Firing
The third major takeaway from the weekend was the attack. With both Bobby Firmino and Diogo Jota bagging goals during the match, it was good to see production outside of Mane and Salah. Bobby Firmino’s goal was a long time coming. I feel like it has been forever since Bobby has scored a Premier League goal at Anfield (Ed. – actually, the last one he scored at home was against Chelsea in July, but the one before that was in January!). A great ball in from Hendo, Mane’s header, and Bobby was in the right place at the right time. The second goal, moments after VAR ruled Salah’s goal out… Mane played a peach of a ball into the box, and Jota headed it home.
VAR-y Stupid
The last major takeaway from this game is the sheer terribleness of VAR. I do not know how Sheffield was given a penalty in the twelfth minute. No doubt it was a foul, but it occurred outside of the box. It is absolutely ridiculous that that call was made in the first place, and it is even more absurd that the call was confirmed by VAR. I am sick of VAR and all it entails. The Mo Salah goal was disallowed by another fine margin, but thankfully this time Liverpool was able to score again to get the three points.
Well, Reds, we are back on the right track. With a win in the Champions League and a win in the League, I feel confident moving forward. Looking forward to the week ahead, looking for six more points. Up the Reds!