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
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.
