Fulham and Liverpool have been given an explanation as to why Florian Wirtz’s goal was allowed. The German scored his second Premier League goal for the Reds, but it was originally ruled out for offside.
When Wirtz sweepeD in a neat equaliser for Arne Slot’s side, the linesman’s flag shot up, disallowing the goal initially. At first glance of the replay, it appeared the linesperson had made an excellent call. The £116million man looked to have been standing marginally in front of the Fulham defenders when he received a pass. But after a lengthy review, the original call was overturned and the goal was given.
Fulham defenders immediately lifted their hands up when he slotted his effort into the back of the net. To ensure there was no confusion or supporters at Craven Cottage left in the dark, the Premier League match centre uploaded an explainer of the incident.
It said: “57’ VAR OVERTURN VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal – and established that Wirtz was in an onside position and recommended that the goal was awarded.”
Wirtz’s goal could prove to be a huge one for the Merseysiders. The Reds came into the contest in fourth place on 33 points, just three ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Liverpool thought they had won the game in dramatic fashion when Cody Gakpo popped up in the fourth minute of added time to net what appeared to be a dramatic winner. However, Harrison Reed stepped up and smashed a thunderbolt from 25-yards into the top right corner to secure a 2-2 draw.
Slot would have been furious with his side’s failure to see out the game. However, the sight of Wirtz getting on the scoresheet will be a huge boost for the German international.
He has struggled to cope with the pressure of his £116m price-tag since his move from Bayer Leverkusen. It was only his second Premier League goal since arriving on the red side of Merseyside.
Wirtz did not even contribute his first Premier League assist until the 1-1 draw against Sunderland at the start of December. However, an assist against Tottenham and his goals against Wolves and Fulham mean he has helped himself to two goals and two assists in his last seven appearances.