Liverpool ended 2019 with a 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a Premier League encounter played on Sunday, December 29th.
Regardless of the scoreline, it was a fight to finish to get all three points against a Nuno Espirito led Wolves side that produced a remarkable comeback to beat reigning champions Manchester City on Friday.
The Reds have an outstanding game to play due to their participation at the FIFA Club World Cup which they debuted their badge against Wolves. The win moves them to 13 points ahead of second-placed Leicester City which is the largest between the two title contenders at the new year mark of the Premier League.
Liverpool had to fight tooth and nail for the win which started as a cagey affair. Both sides were respectfully acknowledging the attacking weapons they both possess.
It, however, was Liverpool who struck first, Sadio Mane latched on to a ball through to him by Adam Lallana in the 42nd minute.
The second half would be more of the same with several chances for both sides but were not able to convert as Liverpool held off a late barrage of Wolves attack to seal all three points.
However, the talking point of the game is not that Liverpool dominated possession with 63% to Wolves 37%. Neither is that they completed 605 passes to Wolves 352. The reaction on social media is about the use of the Video Assistant Referee and how it is helping Liverpool on their unbeaten run.
Replays show that in the build-up to the goal by Liverpool Virgil Van Dijk who won the 2019 UEFA Men’s Best Player award handled the ball in the build-up that led to Liverpool’s goal. However, the Video Assistant Referee did not rule out the goal despite the error.
In Wolves’ case, they thought they had scored an equalizer just before the halftime break. Pedro Neto created space on the edge of the box and put the ball past Alisson Becker. However, after consulting the VAR, referee Anthony Taylor decided to rule out the goal scored by Wolves because Jonny was offside in the build-up.
This is not the first time fans feel Liverpool have been aided by VAR this season but regardless are top of the table and look set to lift the league title for the first time in 30 years.
