Premier League Backs VAR Call on Sesko Handball as Liverpool Draw 2-2 at Old Trafford

Key facts

• Benjamin Sesko scored for Manchester United in the 16th minute after Bruno Fernandes' header deflected off Freddie Woodman.
• The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the goal stood because there was 'no conclusive evidence' of handball.
• Liverpool equalized through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo after trailing 2-0 at halftime.
• Liverpool were without Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, and Alexander Isak due to injury.
• Arne Slot said injuries have 'happened so many times this season' and hoped Salah and Isak return next week.
• The draw leaves Manchester United on the brink of Champions League qualification.

Controversial Goal Stands After VAR Review

Manchester United took the lead after just six minutes when Matheus Cunha scored on his return from injury. Less than ten minutes later, Benjamin Sesko bundled the ball over the line after Bruno Fernandes' cushioned header deflected off Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and struck Sesko's hand. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot led furious appeals from the touchline, but after a VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand. The Premier League's Match Centre later issued a statement confirming that 'the referee's call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring.' The decision left Liverpool with a two-goal deficit at halftime, a mountain to climb at Old Trafford.

Liverpool Fight Back Through Szoboszlai and Gakpo

Liverpool pulled one back early in the second half through a fine run and finish from Dominik Szoboszlai. Cody Gakpo then equalized, securing a 2-2 draw that leaves Liverpool needing a point from their remaining matches to guarantee Champions League qualification. The result keeps Manchester United on the brink of sealing their own place in Europe's premier competition, though the controversy over Sesko's goal continues to dominate post-match discussion.

Injury Crisis Hits Liverpool Before Crucial Clash

Liverpool arrived in Manchester without several senior players, including Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, and Alexander Isak. Slot confirmed that Salah's injury, though minor, was 'too much for him to be able to play,' while Alisson has not yet trained with the squad. 'With Alex, it wasn't much but unfortunately, it was too much for him to be able to play,' Slot said. 'Alisson hasn't trained with us yet, so that makes it quite simple. We are hoping for him to be ready next week but we have to wait and see how the week will go.' The injuries have compounded Liverpool's challenges in a season where Slot noted that 'after a win we pick up injuries. It has happened so many times this season that no one can be surprised that it happened again.'

Premier League's Stance on Handball Evidence

The Premier League's Match Centre statement emphasized that the goal stood due to a lack of conclusive evidence of handball. The VAR review, which checked the referee's on-field decision, found no clear angle to overturn the call. This interpretation aligns with the league's policy of requiring 'clear and obvious' errors for VAR intervention. The decision has reignited debate over the consistency of handball rulings, particularly when deflections are involved.

Champions League Qualification Hangs in Balance

The draw leaves both teams in a strong position for Champions League qualification, but neither has secured their spot. Manchester United, buoyed by Sesko's controversial goal, need a win in their final match to guarantee progress. Liverpool, despite the injury absences, remain in control of their destiny, requiring just one point from their remaining fixtures. Slot's side will hope to have Salah, Alisson, and Isak back for the decisive matches.

What Comes Next for Both Sides

Liverpool face a crucial week ahead, with Slot expressing cautious optimism about the return of his key players. 'We are hoping for him to be ready next week but that is small margins,' he said of Salah's recovery. Manchester United, meanwhile, will look to build on their performance against Liverpool, though the handball controversy may overshadow their preparations. The club's pitch safety concerns, previously raised, add another layer of uncertainty as the season reaches its climax.

The bottom line

• Benjamin Sesko's goal for Manchester United was allowed to stand after VAR found no conclusive evidence of handball.
• Liverpool fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
• Liverpool were without Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, and Alexander Isak due to injuries.
• Arne Slot criticized the frequency of injuries, saying they have 'happened so many times this season.'
• The draw leaves both teams on the brink of Champions League qualification, with Liverpool needing one point from their remaining matches.
• The Premier League's handball ruling continues to spark debate over VAR consistency.