Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend was both exciting and somewhat disappointing. At a crucial moment in the game, Odegaard's handball in the box was not awarded a penalty, causing a lot of controversy.
First of all, let's talk about the much-talked-about decision. Looking at the TV broadcast, even the average fan could tell that it was clearly a penalty. However, the decision of the referee and VAR was unexpected, and people can't help but wonder and dissatisfied. Remember the last time Pickford tackled Van Dijk, VAR was also so confusing. This time, Odegaard's handball would have been fouled if it had happened outside the box. So what's the difference in the restricted area?The intervention of VAR and the referee's judgment often make people feel confused.
But refereeing issues aside, there's a lot to be commended about the game itself. Arsenal came to Anfield this time and did quite well, they carried goals and plans, which made the game more intense and exciting. It can be seen that under their head coach, the team is constantly improving. On the other hand, Liverpool also had a good tactical performance, especially Trent Alexander-Arnold, who almost won the game for his team in the second half. His shots and assists both show how much impact he has on the pitch.
Injuries are one of the biggest challenges facing Liverpool at the moment. Tsimikas' injury is undoubtedly bad news, especially in Robertson's absence, where he has been outstanding. Gomez's versatility is especially important at this time, and he may need to fill the void in different positions. In addition, the departure of James Milner and the imminent return of Robertson and Jota will have a significant impact on the team.
Finally, let's return to the question of referees. Although the referee's decision can sometimes affect the outcome of the game, we can't ignore the team's own effort and performance. Both Liverpool and Arsenal showed their quality and determination, and that was the essence of the game. Whether it's players or fans, we should focus on the game itself and enjoy the joy and excitement that football brings.
Overall, despite the controversy surrounding the referee's decision, the match was full of fierce competition and exciting moments. For a true football fan, that's the beauty of football. We look forward to Liverpool continuing to show their quality in the upcoming games, and we also hope that the referee's decision will be more fair and accurate.