It’s first blood to Liverpool in their likely title battle with Manchester City after their rivals dramatically dropped points against Spurs.
With the scores locked at 2-2 in stoppage time, Gabriel Jesus thought he’d snatched the victory for City, only for VAR to chalk the goal off for a handball by Aymeric Laporte in the build-up.
The draw leaves City two points behind us after our win at Southampton.
It is, of course, still extremely early, but any slight slip-up from the champions should be seen as a potentially important boost.
Reds fans certainly enjoyed it.
It’s fair to say there was very little sympathy for the City supporters lamenting the handball rules.
Liverpool and City can likely only afford to drop points in six or seven games at most to win the league this season.
Robo-ref bollocksing them there is a great start.
— Daniel Austin (@_Dan_Austin) August 17, 2019
It's an absolutely stupid change to the rules but hey until it doesn't cost us its acceptable. Especially if it goes against our main rivals!
I thought it was harsh on Wolves last week as they should have beat Leicester, same for City but my bias says its more acceptable! 🤣
— GaGs (@GagsTandon) August 17, 2019
Man City fans, there is no conspiracy against your team. Yes, you were on the wrong end of a decision, but don't use VAR as a scapegoat. Its not the problem here, it's the inability to score more than 2 goals despite having 30+ attempts and dominating the game. That's the issue.
— Scott Taylor (@ScottTaylorUK) August 17, 2019
Where were the whiney City fans complaining about technology applying the rules then?! pic.twitter.com/ftnXyKSc4f
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) August 17, 2019
Remember when City fans were telling us we’re ‘screwed’ because of VAR now in the PL?
They’ve been done by VAR by the correct call and 2 points dropped. 😂
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) August 17, 2019
We were told VAR coming in would expose Liverpool… https://t.co/dVXwjoS7Am
— 9 (@EnRouteAnfield) August 17, 2019
VAR for Ballon d’Or imo.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) August 17, 2019
The negative impact VAR has had on Man City > everything else in the history of football.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) August 17, 2019
Name a better duo… i’ll wait pic.twitter.com/DeUXzbexJj
— Amy (@AmyLFC11) August 17, 2019
"Liverpool Liverpool top of the League"
🔴😂👏
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) August 17, 2019
In all likelihood, Liverpool will experience VAR-induced agony at some point this season.
But maybe, just maybe, we’ll end up looking back on this day, when the weary Reds ground out a victory and City were denied. Who knows?