2 hours ago
27
Gary Neville has criticized Virgil van Dijk for what he described as a “really strange” piece of play during Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The former Manchester United defender questioned the Liverpool captain’s decision-making in a key moment that proved costly for his side.
Erling Haaland later restored City’s lead with a powerful header following another lapse in defense from Ibrahima Konate. Pep Guardiola's side then doubled their advantage through a stroke of luck, as Nico González’s long-range effort deflected off Van Dijk’s leg, leaving Giorgi Mamardashvili wrongfooted before half-time.
On the goal, former Manchester United and Aston Villa forward Dion Dublin said: "Liverpool switched off from the corner, it was three versus one. Van Dijk is in a good position and it takes a nick off his right heel which is just enough to take it past Mamardashvili."
Commentating on Sky Sports, Neville said: "Sometimes you can tell a team is there to be beaten. Liverpool's legs are gone. They cannot get out. It is so, so poor. Van Dijk just lets it hit him. Really strange. Liverpool have lost every battle. It is really worrying."
Before the goal the former United defender added: "Bradley is having a really tough battle. Liverpool look leggy. Physically, they look well off it. Sluggish. Liverpool are in a poor place at the moment."
City created the first major chance of the Premier League encounter when Jeremy Doku weaved his way into the box and went down after minimal contact from Mamardashvili. Referee Chris Kavanagh initially waved play on, but after a VAR review by Michael Oliver, he was advised to check the pitchside monitor.
Following the review, Kavanagh reversed his decision and awarded a penalty, later explaining the call to the crowd as the Premier League shared clarification on social media.
Van Dijk thought he had equalized after the Dutchman appeared to head home from a Mohamed Salah corner, but celebrations were cut short when the assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
Liverpool players protested, puzzled as to how Van Dijk could be offside from a corner. However, officials ruled that Andy Robertson was in an offside position, obstructing City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s view and interfering with play.
The decision immediately caused controversy, with Neville stating on Sky Sports that Liverpool manager Arne Slot had every right to be furious. Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard also told USA Network that the goal should have stood.
The Premier League provided an explanation on X for why Van Dijk’s strike was disallowed: "The referee's call of offside and no goal to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Robertson in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper."
English (US) ·