Premier League issue explanation as VAR overrules offside call in Liverpool game (2025)

Liverpool fell behind early on in Sunday's huge game against Tottenham but they were able to restore parity quickly after a VAR check ruled that a Luis Diaz goal should stand

A VAR intervention helped Liverpool hit back at Tottenham in Sunday's huge Premier League title showdown at Anfield. A goal from Luis Diaz was initially flagged offside before a check discovered that the Colombian's strike should be allowed to stand.

Offside was originally given against Dominik Szoboszlai, who had seemingly strayed beyond the Spurs defensive line before teeing Diaz up. But the Premier League confirmed that a check from VAR had helped the officials determine that an error had been made.

They wrote in a social media post: "VAR checked the referee’s call of no goal for Liverpool - and determined that Szoboszlai was in an onside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was awarded."

Anfield erupted when referee Thomas Bramall confirmed that the initial offside call had been overruled.

Dominic Solanke had earlier stunned Liverpool fans by breaking the deadlock with a superb header from a Spurs corner. But it took the Reds just four minutes to draw level.

Things got even better in the 24th minute when Alexis Mac Allister turned the match on its head by firing Arne Slot's side into a priceless lead. And Cody Gakpo notched a third just after the half hour mark to effectively kill the game off early after punishing some sloppy Spurs defending.

Liverpool headed into the game knowing that just a point would be enough to clinch a record-equalling 20th domestic title. And former Manchester United defender Gary Neville admitted that such a feat was enough to end the debate over who is English football's most successful club.

"The accolade of the most successful club, you could debate it maybe when United were on 20 titles because obviously Liverpool have more European Cups," Neville said on Sky Sports before the game.

"But once Liverpool get level, the painful thing to say is that unfortunately the debate is over for a period until Manchester United become successful again and win leagues.

"It should cause real tremors over at Old Trafford. The idea that Liverpool - which is obviously a great football club - will be the most successful club in English football after today, that really should cause heartache and pain, because it took a lot to get ahead of Liverpool. They were miles ahead when Alex Ferguson took over."

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