Liverpool vs Manchester city var decision goes wrong

Liverpool walked into the Etihad Stadium with determination and belief, but they left with frustration, disbelief and a bitter taste that will stay with supporters for weeks. The showdown against Manchester City on November 9, 2025 was meant to be a test of character, but it became a harsh reminder of how quickly hope can turn into disappointment. Manchester City ran out as three goal winners and Liverpool were left searching for answers after a match that swung heavily on one contentious moment.

The game began with intensity, rhythm and the kind of fast tempo that usually brings out the best in Liverpool. Arne Slot’s side pressed bravely and tried to match the fluid control of Pep Guardiola’s men. Liverpool looked confident, even though the season had been inconsistent. Early exchanges showed both teams testing each other, with the Reds trying to disrupt the calm structure of City’s build up. It felt like a contest of equals in the opening minutes.

The first major spark arrived when Erling Haaland stepped up to take a penalty in the thirteenth minute. Liverpool’s stand in goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili became the unexpected hero, diving to his right and palming away the powerful strike. The save lifted the Liverpool players and ignited the away fans who sensed that this could be a turning point in their favor. It felt like a moment that could shape the match.

That hope did not last long. Sixteen minutes after the penalty miss, Haaland found the space he needed inside the box and calmly slotted the ball into the net. It was a simple finish, but it carried a heavy blow to Liverpool’s spirit. The Etihad roared and City took control. The goal reminded everyone that Haaland only needs a single moment to punish any lapse.

Liverpool tried to respond through Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez who combined aggressively on the counter. The team pushed harder and believed they had their equalizer when Virgil van Dijk powered a header toward goal just before halftime. The ball flew past the goalkeeper and Liverpool celebrated what looked like a deserved goal. But the celebrations froze instantly as VAR began its check.

The decision that followed changed the entire mood of the match. Andy Robertson was judged to be offside and interfering with the goalkeeper’s line of sight. The goal was ruled out. Liverpool players protested and the away fans erupted with anger. The Premier League released a clarification shortly after that Robertson’s movement in front of the goalkeeper constituted interference. That explanation did nothing to calm the outrage. Every replay was examined online, every angle scrutinized, and fans felt they had been denied a fair opportunity.

Former referee Mark Clattenburg offered his professional opinion, explaining that Robertson’s instinctive motion to duck under the ball was viewed as a distraction. He acknowledged that the rule leaves room for interpretation, making situations like this highly subjective. To Liverpool supporters, it felt like a technicality that robbed their team of a crucial goal. The psychological shift after that moment was obvious on the field.

Before Liverpool could even regroup mentally, Manchester City struck again. Nico Gonzalez finished off a well worked move just before halftime, doubling City’s lead and sending Liverpool into the break in a state of shock. The Reds looked rattled and unsure of themselves. The disallowed goal had taken the wind out of their sails and City capitalized without hesitation.

The second half brought even more frustration for Liverpool. City controlled the tempo and moved the ball with confidence. Liverpool pushed forward but left gaps behind them. In the sixty third minute, Jeremy Doku delivered the final blow with a brilliant solo effort. His speed, footwork and accuracy were too much for Liverpool’s defense. His finish into the top corner sealed the match and destroyed any remaining hope for a comeback.

As always happens after a heavy defeat, individual performances were dissected. Ibrahima Konate faced the harshest criticism from supporters who felt he looked distracted and out of form. Rumors of interest from Real Madrid only fueled the speculation that his focus was elsewhere. Fans on social media did not hold back, calling for him to be replaced in the next window and questioning his commitment. Some reactions were humorous while others were brutally unforgiving.

Despite the criticism directed at Konate, Liverpool’s issues were much broader. The team showed lapses in concentration, struggled to recover emotionally from setbacks and failed to match City’s tactical discipline. Arne Slot now faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence, reinforcing defensive stability and creating a mentality strong enough to withstand adversity in high pressure matches.

The match also reignited arguments about VAR and the clarity of the rules. Supporters questioned whether technology is improving the game or adding new layers of confusion. The interpretation of interference remains one of the most debated topics in modern football. Liverpool’s disallowed goal will be discussed for weeks among fans, pundits and former referees who all see the moment through different lenses.

In the wider Premier League picture, this defeat highlights the demanding nature of the season for Liverpool. They have shown moments of brilliance but followed them with disappointing dips in form. The inconsistency has kept them from building momentum. The loss at the Etihad exposed weaknesses that must be addressed quickly if the team hopes to stay competitive in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Liverpool now enters the international break with difficult questions and urgent tasks ahead. When players return, they face Nottingham Forest at Anfield, followed by a Champions League showdown against PSV Eindhoven and an away trip to West Ham United. Each match is an opportunity to regain stability and show that the setback at the Etihad will not define their season.

For Manchester City, the performance was another statement of control and discipline. Haaland, Gonzalez and Doku delivered clinical contributions while the team executed Guardiola’s plan with precision. The match reaffirmed City’s reputation as one of the most dominant sides in Europe.

In the end, the controversy, emotions and intensity of this match reflect the passion that surrounds football. Liverpool supporters left the Etihad with anger and disappointment while City fans celebrated another convincing victory. The moment will be remembered not only for the scoreline but for the disallowed goal that changed the entire balance of the contest.

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