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Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has maintained that the decision to disallow Hugo Ekitike's goal against Arsenal on Sunday was absolutely correct.
The Liverpool striker believed he had extended his impressive start to Premier League life when he tucked home from close range during the second half following a goalmouth scramble.
David Raya initially parried Florian Wirtz's effort before Cody Gakpo pounced on the rebound.
The attacker reached the ball first before it dropped to Ekitike on the goal line, but the assistant referee instantly raised his flag.
Television replays revealed that Gakpo was in an offside position when Wirtz struck his shot, whilst Ekitike remained onside.
Nevertheless, Gakpo's participation in the build-up meant the offside decision was upheld.
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During Sky Sports' match coverage, Dean supported the assistant referee's judgement.
He commented: "Good call by the assistant referee Dan Cook, to be fair," the former Premier League referee said.
"The shot's come in, kept his concentration, it comes off the 'keeper and he's clearly offside, Gakpo, for me. You can see he's a good half-a yard to a yard offside. It is a fairly straightforward decision for the assistant referee.
"So good concentration and the correct on-field decision."
Thankfully for Liverpool, they secured victory through Dominik Szoboszlai's spectacular free-kick, ensuring Arne Slot's side have triumphed in all three of their opening fixtures of the 2025/26 campaign.
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