LIVERPOOL, England: Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he did not agree with the offside rule that saw Diogo Jota’s goal confirmed to beat Everton 1-0 early this morning, but stated that the right decision had been made.
Jota struck the only goal just before the hour mark at Anfield as Liverpool moved 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Luis Diaz was in an offside position when James Tarkowski blocked a pass intended for the Colombian.
However, Diaz grabbed the rebound before passing it to Jota to score his first goal since January.
Everton boss David Moyes said he was disappointed to lose the clash with his neighbours on a “clearly offside goal.”
However, Slot said the officials made the right decision because of the rules after Tarkowski grabbed the ball.
“It’s not offside, according to the rules,” Slot said.
“Do I like the rule? No, I don’t like the rule. I hate the rule but the implementation of the rule was lucky for us today because it was done well in that situation.”
The goal was the second most controversial decision of the match after Tarkowski escaped a red card after just 11 minutes following a dangerous tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.
The Everton captain was only shown a yellow card by referee Samuel Barrott, who was not directed by VAR to review his original decision.