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Liverpool were left furious after Virgil van Dijk’s first-half header against Manchester City was ruled out for offside, despite Andy Robertson not touching the ball. The Dutchman thought he had equalised from a Mohamed Salah corner, but VAR sided with the on-field officials. And here's why Arne Slot's team did not end up getting a goal that could have had a big impact on the game.

Van Dijk goal ruled off in Man City loss

Liverpool were denied what they believed to be a legitimate equaliser in the first half of their Premier League clash with City at Etihad Stadium. After falling behind to Erling Haaland’s opener, Van Dijk met a corner from Salah and directed a powerful header past Gianluigi Donnarumma, seemingly restoring parity for the visitors. The Liverpool captain sprinted away in celebration, only for the assistant referee’s flag to cut short the jubilation.

Robertson was deemed to be in an offside position during the play, standing just a yard from Donnarumma inside the six-yard box. Although the Scotland international made no contact with the ball and attempted to duck out of its flight path, VAR confirmed that his movement was enough to interfere with the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball. The Premier League’s Match Centre later clarified that Robertson’s proximity constituted “an obvious action which impacted an opponent’s ability to play the ball,” meaning the goal could not stand.

The decision proved divisive, particularly as Donnarumma appeared unlikely to have reached the header regardless of Robertson’s position. While City took advantage of the reprieve and doubled their lead before the interval, Liverpool’s players were left visibly frustrated — with Arne Slot animatedly remonstrating with the officials on the touchline. It was a key moment in a match where fine margins once again played a decisive role.

AdvertisementFans fume at VAR's offside decision

@TheKopWatch commented on X: "Side netting. GK is getting nowhere near it. Robertson doesn’t block his view of the ball. How on earth is that disallowed?"

@markgoldbridge wrote: "Got to say that is a joke. Keeper is at full stretch and Robertson isn't interfering with play. Another shocker."

@Abdulba71267148 fumed: "Complete robbery."

@JonnyGibson33 explained: "He's miles away from the keeper the ball, literally moving away from the goal and then ducks. Incredible decision."

@holly82649091 claimed: "They want a title race between Arsenal and City."

@mo11salahh took shots at the inconsistency: "Bernardo Silva against Wolves last season. Robertson against city this season. Man City goal given. Liverpool goal NOT given."

Getty Images SportWas Robertson actually in Donnarumma's 'line of sight'?

The controversy stems from Law 11 of the FA’s rules on offside, which outlines that a player can be penalised even without touching the ball if they “make an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball”. In this instance, Robertson’s quick duck to avoid Van Dijk’s header was deemed an “obvious action”. Officials concluded that his proximity to Donnarumma caused hesitation in the goalkeeper’s movement, constituting interference.

The Premier League’s post-match explanation described Robertson as being “in an offside position directly in front of the goalkeeper”. However, replays suggested the full-back was actually slightly to Donnarumma’s left, leading to debate over whether the “line of sight” element of the rule applied. While Robertson’s motion to evade the ball was instinctive, officials interpreted it as influencing Donnarumma’s reaction, and therefore as active involvement in the play.

The controversy reignited broader frustrations over VAR’s inconsistency in judging offside interference. Similar incidents in previous seasons have seen goals allowed when players appeared to obstruct goalkeepers, further blurring the line between passive and active involvement.

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VAR continues to split fans on a weekly basis

The fallout from the disallowed goal is likely to continue, with Liverpool supporters and pundits demanding greater clarity from the Premier League’s officiating body. While the decision may have adhered to the letter of the law, the interpretation will once again draw criticism for its subjectivity — particularly in high-stakes fixtures like this one.

City, meanwhile, took full advantage of Liverpool’s deflation, controlling the tempo in the second half to preserve their lead and maintain their unbeaten home record.

His efforts handed India their biggest defeat in men’s Tests, and their second whitewash at home in three series

Sidharth Monga26-Nov-20256:06

Karim: ‘Harmer’s variations upset India batters’

In front of empty stands in India’s newest Test venue, South Africa competed their utter domination of the hosts with a whitewash and their heaviest Test defeat in terms of runs. More than just the order of session breaks was turned upside down in India’s eastern-most Test ground where South Africa sealed their first series win in India in 25 years and India’s second series defeat in 12 months after 12 years of spotless record.Simon Harmer out-bowled by miles the home spinners in a country, whose ordinary tour in 2015 resulted in a seven-year hiatus for him in Test cricket. No one has now taken more wickets at a better average in a series in India than his 17 wickets at 8.94. Marco Jansen was a little behind with 12 at 10.08, but he ended the series with yet another thing about which we can say: “only Marco could have done that”. A sensational catch over the shoulder, running back, diving and taking it one-handed. Just the kind of wicket Harmer won’t mind being denied a maiden 10-for by.This was the farthest result on India’s minds when Shubman Gill joked after losing yet another toss in Kolkata that it seems he will win only in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Since then, India lost Gill to injury three balls into his work, and then both the Tests to leave themselves a hill to climb if they want to entertain thoughts of the WTC final. They now have 48.15% points halfway into their league matches. Historically at least 60% has been needed to get through to the final.Related

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The defending champions, who had to deal with some elitist sniggering about their schedule in the last cycle, now have 75% of their points. Temba Bavuma, the captain who brought home the mace, was still undefeated in Tests after 12 matches at the helm.That Bavuma wouldn’t lose this one had been clear halfway into this Test. Since then, South Africa played India out ruthlessly and started the fifth day needing eight wickets to take the full 12 WTC points from this match. This classic Indian Test pitch was now offering consistent turn and natural variation.Simon Harmer picked up his second Test five-for•BCCISo a combination of Harmer and Jansen, who took a five-for and a 93 in the first innings, was always going to test India’s resolve to bat the day out. The overnight batters, B Sai Sudharsan and nightwatch Kuldeep Yadav, enjoyed some luck with one wicket denied by a no-ball and another by a drop at slip by Aiden Markram, who took five catches in the first innings.The luck ended around half an hour into the day. It had always looked a matter of time against Harmer’s guile and persistence. Kuldeep was the first one to go, bowled by an offbreak that didn’t turn. You can’t quite make an offbreak not turn, but you can give it every chance to do so by changing the seam orientation, which Harmer did.In the same over, Harmer completed the brace of dream dismissals for an offspinner. He had bowled KL Rahul through the gate on the fourth evening; now he took Dhruv Jurel’s outside edge with drift and less turn than expected.Rishabh Pant is often criticised for taking too many risks, but this innings provided a counterpoint. Against a really slow offbreak from Harmer, Pant was a sitting duck the moment he decided to offer a forward-defensive. The extra bounce took the catch to Markram at slip, who was now moving rapidly towards the world record for most catches in a match.Sai Sudharsan enjoyed another dropped catch as he and Ravindra Jadeja took India into tea. Sai Sudharsan’s luck ran out in the first over after the break with Harmer getting a rest having bowled through the entire first session. He defended a Senuram Muthusamy half-volley. It didn’t turn, and Markram took another catch.South Africa registered their first Test series win in India in 25 years•BCCIAdequately rested, Harmer came back from the other end than the one that had been giving him wickets and took out Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy in quick succession. With a softer ball now, he started to bowl quicker and took the edge from Washington with a 90kmph offbreak. Markram took a sharp catch to go past Ajinkya Rahane’s world record of eight in a match.The right-hand batters were always going to struggle more now with three dismissals in play: bowled through the gate, outside edge and bat-pad catches. Reddy introduced the glove on the reverse sweep to give Harmer his best match figures, making him South Africa’s most successful bowler in India and the most prolific South Africa bowler after 14 Tests.Jadeja was the one India batter who swept well from the length that had other batters in trouble. He scored a consolatory half-century, read the room and shelved his sword celebrations, and was stumped when trying to take Keshav Maharaj on.The final moment, fittingly, belonged to Jansen. He scored quick runs when India were in control of South Africa’s scoring in the first innings, when it seemed no one could dominate the bowling. His long levers, which made this possible, also created the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first innings, then India’s only half-centurion. Then he unleashed bouncers when the pitch was still flat, taking more wickets with bouncers than anyone has taken in an innings in India.By the time South Africa bowled the second time around, the pitch offered consistent turn and didn’t call out for a superhuman effort from Jansen. Then again, why deny us when you can nonchalantly take an impossible catch to end the match and the series? Lest we forget.

Spinner revealed last week that England had released him from his deal after Ashes omission

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2025Jack Leach has signed a contract extension with Somerset after revealing that he has been released from his England central contract.Leach has played 39 Tests for England, most recently on their tour to Pakistan a year ago, and was the only spinner to take 50 County Championship wickets this season. But he has slipped down the pecking order to the extent that England have opted to take the allrounder Will Jacks to Australia as their back-up spin option ahead of him.He has been centrally contracted since the start of the 2021-22 winter but will fall back onto his county deal with Somerset next year. Leach was already under contract with his hometown club until the end of next season, but the county announced on Monday that he has now signed a two-year extension until the end of 2028.Related

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England have not yet announced their central contracts for 2025-26, but Leach told the BBC last week that he had been informed by managing director Rob Key that his deal would not be renewed. “My contract was up, so he obviously told me that and at the same time, said about the Ashes squad and that I wasn’t going to be in it,” Leach said.”I was gutted about that. That was really my aim for the summer, and it wasn’t to be, so [now] it’s time to reflect and try to keep getting better and get myself back in there… I don’t know from their point of view whether they have completely moved past me, but I believe I’m still getting better and I need to keep showing that in county cricket.”Shoaib Bashir, who has leapfrogged Leach to become England’s first-choice spinner, is widely expected to leave Somerset after he did not feature for them in any format this season. He is likely to retain his central contract for 2025-26, meaning that the ECB – rather than whichever county he joins – will pay his salary.Elsewhere, Sussex have announced the signing of batting allrounder Jack Leaning from Kent on a three-year contract, while legspinning allrounder Calvin Harrison has signed a permanent deal with Northamptonshire after impressing on loan from Nottinghamshire earlier this year.

Thomas Tuchel has been brutally reminded that England “haven’t played anybody” yet as they prepare to discover their 2026 World Cup group stage opponents. Former Three Lions star Nigel Winterburn has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, been discussing what success – and failure – looks like for a talented squad that is looking to shake their ‘nearly men’ tag.

Near misses: Can England end 60 years of hurt?

Sir Gareth Southgate guided England to a World Cup semi-final and back-to-back European Championship finals before walking away from the most demanding of roles in the summer of 2024. He came as close as anybody to delivering a first major honour for the Three Lions since 1966.

He did, however, ultimately fall short. Ex-Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel is now charged with the task of getting England over the trophy-winning line. He oversaw a faultless eight-game run through World Cup qualification – with no goals being conceded along the way.

AdvertisementWorld Cup tests: England eased through qualification

The question now is: Can England deliver when it matters most? They have an abundance of talent at their disposal – from back to front – including the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka. With that in mind, would anything less than global glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico be considered failure?

When that question was put to ex-Arsenal and England left-back Winterburn, he – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “I don’t think you could look at it like that. Our history of winning major tournaments, as a nation, is not great. I agree that we have a talented squad, we have some great depth, but we still need to prove ourselves against the real top opposition. The qualifiers that we have just been through – let’s not beat around the bush, we haven’t played anybody. We haven’t been under any pressure. I’d like to see us when we’re against teams like Spain – technically brilliant, keeping the ball, high quality players. How are we going to cope defensively with their movement? How are we then going to break down their structure with our movement of the ball? Will it be quick? Is it too slow?

“It won’t be a failure. A lot of people will be saying there are a lot of teams in tournaments that we should beat and when you get to the knockout stages, that’s when it’s going to be crucial. I think a lot of people will think that if we don’t get to the semi-finals, it would be a huge disappointment.”

Getty Images

Favourites tag: Are England serious World Cup contenders?

Tuchel is aware of the pressure that he operates under, with England’s men national team having gone 60 long years without cause for celebration. He has, however, been quick to point out that their recent record suggests that a standing as favourites should not be enjoyed.

The enigmatic German tactician has said: “We will arrive as underdogs in the World Cup because we haven't won it for decades, and we will play against teams who have repeatedly won it during that time, so we need to arrive as a team otherwise we have no chance.”

“If you've never won Wimbledon, you may be one of the favourites but you are not the favourite. You can go and if you come close, OK, you are within the pool, but you are not the favourite. It is just how it is.

“There is Brazil, there is Argentina, Spain, France and they just did it recently. It doesn't mean we have no chance and we know very well. First we will qualify and then we will know exactly why we go there.”

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Getty Images SportWorld Cup draw: Who will England face in the group stage?

England will, whether Tuchel likes it or not, be one of those expected to compete for the ultimate prize at FIFA’s flagship event next summer. They can call upon too many world-class operators not to be considered serious contenders.

The plan will be to establish early momentum, before any long-term targets are set, with the Three Lions set to discover their group stage opponents when the 2026 World Cup draw takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on December 5.

Arsenal are now open to January offers for one Gunners star, with it being revealed Mikel Arteta will need to offload players and free up space in the squad.

The Gunners are well-stocked in the striker department, with Viktor Gyokeres adapting to life in the Premier League very well since making the move from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window, receiving high praise from Arteta after bagging a brace against Atletico Madrid.

The Spaniard said: “All of us [appreciate Gyokeres] because he makes us a much better team. I think we’ve become much more unpredictable,”

“He’s so physical, opens the spaces for everyone. The way he presses the ball, holds the ball, it’s just phenomenal.”

The 27-year-old, who bagged his fourth Premier League goal of the season against Burnley earlier this month, has certainly started well, while Kai Havertz is now closing in on a return from injury, having not been involved since the 1-0 win against Manchester United back in August.

Consequently, there may be little game time available for Arteta’s other striker, Garbiel Jesus, and there has now been a major update on his future at the Emirates Stadium…

Arsenal now open to January offers for Gabriel Jesus

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now open to offers for Jesus in the January transfer window, as they need to offload players and free up space in the squad, and the Brazilian is no longer a part of Arteta’s plans.

Persistent injuries have meant the 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, and a return to Palmeiras could now be on the cards, with the Brazilian club willing to bring him back, potentially on a loan-to-buy deal.

The 64-time Brazil international has received high praise from Arteta in the past, with the manager saying back in September 2023: “He is a tremendous player, a really important player for us. He changed our world last season. You could all see that.”

That said, it is probably the correct decision to offload the centre-forward, given that he has been unable to put his injury problem in the rearview mirror, missing a number of games for club and country over the past few seasons.

Gabriel Jesus’ injury record by season

Games missed

2022-23

17

2023-24

17

2024-25 onwards

56

It has recently emerged that the £13.7m-a-year striker has returned to training after an extended period of time on the sidelines, which could be a boost for Arteta, given that the manager has been left light on options at times this season, with Gyokeres and Havertz suffering setbacks.

With Arsenal looking to compete on all fronts, faring well in the Champions League and through to the EFL Cup quarter-final, Jesus may still have a role to play in the short-term, but it would not be the end of the world if Arsenal sanction a January departure.

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Glasgow Rangers crashed out of the League Cup at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon after they were beaten 3-1 by their city rivals.

Danny Rohl lost for the second time in four matches since his arrival at Ibrox, but it did take extra time for Celtic to eventually clinch their victory after a hard-fought 90 minutes.

The Gers had to dig in and fight for the majority of the match because they were sent down to ten men in the 38th minute when Thelo Aasgaard was given his marching orders.

How Thelo Aasgaard let Rangers down

The Norway international was in the team to provide creativity and flair in the left-sided central midfield position, but he had little impact on the match in his time on the pitch.

Aasgaard’s biggest contribution to the game was how his red card changed the match, as it meant that Celtic had an extra man advantage for the rest of the 90 minutes and extra time.

It was an unfortunate situation for the central midfielder, rather than a malicious challenge, as he caught Anthony Ralston whilst turning and attempting to control the ball.

Regardless, Aasgaard let his side down by putting his foot in that position to control the ball, which gave the referee a decision to make.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The former Luton Town man was far from the only underwhelming performer on the pitch for the Light Blues, though, as Youssef Chermiti was just as bad.

Why Danny Rohl should drop Youssef Chermiti

The Portugal U21 international had registered a goal and an assist in his last two outings in the Scottish Premiership for Rangers, per Sofascore, which earned him a place in the XI for this semi-final clash.

After his goal against Kilmarnock off the bench, Chermiti started in the 1-0 win over Hibernian earlier this week, but struggled outside of his assist for Danilo’s brilliant goal.

Minutes

77

Shots on target

0

Big chances created

0

Assists

1

Dribbles completed

0/2

Possession lost

14x

Duels won

8/19

As you can see in the table above, his all-round play left plenty to be desired, as he lost the majority of his duels and lost the ball 14 times without registering a single shot on target.

The Portuguese centre-forward was then just as bad as Aasgaard in the 3-1 loss to Celtic because he missed two huge opportunities to find the back of the net in the first half when the score was 0-0.

Mohamed Diomande played a perfect ball across to the striker, who was unmarked in the middle of the box, but his effort veered wide of the target when it seemed harder to miss. It was a miss that caused Premier Sports TV pundit Michael Stewart to describe him as “so poor” during their live coverage.

The summer signing from Everton then evaded his marker at the back post to attack a sublime free-kick delivery from James Tavernier, only to fail to find the target from two or three yards out.

Chermiti’s lack of composure in front of goal ultimately cost Rangers because they could have been one or two goals up with those chances, but, instead, they failed to take the lead, then they went down to ten men and one goal down.

It was a dismal showing from the £8m summer signing, whose performance was as poor as Aasgaard’s, and that is why Rohl should ruthlessly ditch him from the starting line-up.

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Nottingham Forest are now pursuing a January move for an “outstanding” British player, having monitored him closely over the past few weeks.

Forest looking to improve defence after Everton setback

Forest have certainly made progress since the arrival of Sean Dyche, now sitting two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, and they have often looked solid from a defensive point of view, keeping four clean sheets in their last seven matches in all competitions.

The Tricky Trees aren’t in the clear just yet, however, being brought back down to earth with a 3-0 defeat against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last time out, with Dyche critical of some aspects of his side’s performance, saying: “We were nowhere near it on the physical side. We had the ball in many places but the decisions went against us.”

The manager also added: “The players deserve a lot of credit, but they have to fight and play to their shape. We were well short of that.”

With Dyche perhaps looking to make his own mark on the squad he inherited, Nottingham Forest are now pursuing a January move for a new defender, namely Sassuolo’s Josh Doig, according to a report from Tuttomercatoweb (via Sport Witness).

However, the Italian side have no interest in sanctioning a departure this winter, as Doig is regarded as one of their most important players, so it may be difficult to tempt them into a sale.

The Scottish defender has been monitored closely over the past few weeks, but there are some doubts over whether the Tricky Trees need to bring in a new left-back, with Neco Williams and Oleksandr Zinchenko already on the books, and Botafogo’s Cuiabano set to return next month.

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"Outstanding" Doig impressing in the Serie A

Lauded as “outstanding” by coach Neil Critchley, the Scot has certainly impressed in the Serie A over the past year, ranking very highly across a range of defensive statistics, when compared to other full-backs.

Josh Doig’s key statistics	Average per 90 (past year)
Interceptions	1.53 (92nd percentile)
Blocks	1.53 (87th percentile)
Aerials won	1.62 (91st percentile)

Former Hibernian teammate Lewis Stevenson has also waxed lyrical about the Sassuolo star in the past, saying: “He has the potential to go to the top level. He is 6 foot 3, fast, strong. Even just looking at him with his top off – without meaning to sound creepy – he looks like Ronaldo, with that kind of physique. He just is an athlete.”

The Edinburgh-born defender has been a key player for the Italian side so far this season, making 13 Serie A appearances, and he earned his first cap for Scotland in a 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein in the summer.

That said, given that Dyche already has Williams and Zinchenko at his disposal, bringing in a new left-back shouldn’t be a priority this winter.

Eddie Howe has now reportedly told Newcastle United to go and sign a Serie A midfielder who Tyneside scouts have already watched in action.

Eddie Howe delivers Nick Pope verdict after Marseille mistake

It’s been one step forward and two steps back for Newcastle this season. The Magpies defeated Manchester City in an excellent display last weekend, before picking up where they left off to take the lead against Marseille. It looked as though they were finally back on track. But that’s when it all fell apart.

Nick Pope’s moment of madness allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to equalise from wide, before the former Arsenal man was at it again to score what proved to be the eventual winner for the French hosts.

It’s not the first time that Pope has come under fire in a Newcastle shirt this season, but Howe decided to back his shot-stopper in his post-match interview, saying: “I think it’s a concern when we concede goals, regardless of who’s at fault. I think we have to look at everything with a balanced head.

“He (Pope) saved us many times. He made some really good saves against Manchester City just two days ago. That’s the life of a goalkeeper. But I’ll certainly back him.”

With Aaron Ramsdale waiting in the wings, however, it remains to be seen just how many more chances Pope will receive. Up next, Newcastle travel to the Hill Dickinson stadium for the first time to face an Everton side who just defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It’s a game that the Magpies will be desperate to win to at least make it back-to-back victories in the Premier League. Alas, it’s also one that may expose their lack of depth in midfield once again.

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It’s a fairly open secret that Howe’s targeting reinforcements in that area ahead of 2026 and reports are now claiming that he’s told the club to go and sign Serie A star Manu Kone.

Howe tells Newcastle to sign Manu Kone

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Howe has now told Newcastle to sign Kone after sending his scouts to watch the impressive AS Roma midfielder.

The midfielder would instantly add depth to the Magpies’ midfield, but Roma have already reportedly dealt those at St James’ Park a frustrating blow in pursuit of his signature. Unsurprisingly, Roma are keen to keep hold of Kone and have told Newcastle that he is not for sale in 2026.

Whether Newcastle test the waters despite Roma’s stance is the big question. Kone would certainly be worth the chase. The Frenchman was dubbed “composed” by Como scout Ben Mattinson ahead of arriving in Serie A in the summer and could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

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