ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP REVIEW
LIVERPOOL shrugged off another VAR controversy to claim a 2-1 comeback home win over SHEFFIELD UNITED.
Just seven days after the Reds wrote to the Premier League for an explanation of two contentious referrals in the Merseyside derby, the video assistant – this time Andre Marriner – found himself in the spotlight again.
He upgraded Fabinho’s tackle on Oli Mcburnie from a free-kick to a penalty, despite the Brazil international appearing to win the ball right on the edge of the area.
It is understood that is something the VAR official elected not to check, and Sander Berge did the rest to put the Blades ahead.
The defending champions escaped a couple more penalty appeals before Roberto Firmino, just before halftime, and Diogo Jota struck to extend Liverpool’s unbeaten home league run to 62 matches, one short of equalling the club record between 1978-1981.
MANCHESTER UNITED drew 0-0 at home to CHELSEA.
Visiting keeper Mendy produced fine first-half stops from Marcus Rashford and Mata, while Chelsea’ Jorginho was aggrieved by Bruno Fernandes appearing to take a swipe at his face.
Chelsea also had a penalty overlooked before half-time after Maguire threw Azpilicueta to the ground when heading away a free-kick.
MANCHESTER CITY fought back with a second-half goal from Phil Foden to earn a 1-1 draw at WEST HAM.
The Irons – who recovered from 3-0 down to draw against Spurs with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Manuel Lanzini – went in front after 18 minutes through an acrobatic bicyclekick from Michail Antonio.
Foden (20) replaced injured forward Sergio Aguero and was in the right place to convert a cross from Joao Cancelo after 51 minutes.
CRYSTAL PALACE won 2-1 at bottom club FULHAM to move fifth in the table.
Dutch midfielder Jairo Riedewald slotted home Wilfried Zaha’s reverse pass to put the Eagles in front early on.
Palace doubled their lead in 64 minutes. Michy Batshuayi fired over a low cross which Zaha knocked in at the far post.
Fulham finished with 10 men when sub Aboubakar Kamara was sent off for a high challenge on Eberechi Eze, and in stoppage-time, Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney crashed in a consolation.