Manchester United opened up a 2-0 lead against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday, but Benjamin Sesco’s second goal was scrutinized by VAR.
Benjamin Sesco scored Manchester United’s second goal against Liverpool, but it had to be checked by VAR (Image: Darren Staples/AFP)
Manchester United’s second goal against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon survived a VAR check after a possible handball by Benjamin Sesco was scrutinized by remote officials at Stockley Park.
The Slovenian international eventually headed home after Bruno Fernandes nodded his cross across goal, but unlucky Freddie Woodman could only manage to deflect the ball into Sesco’s thigh. However, images shown on television replays seemed to suggest the ball may have grazed Sesco’s fingers before hitting the back of the net.
Although the goal was eventually cleared, the Premier League Match Center X account explained that there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that Sesco had handled the ball.
“The referee’s goal declaration was confirmed by VAR and it was deemed that there was no conclusive evidence that Sesco had handled the ball before scoring,” X’s post said.
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Gary Neville, who commentated on the match for Sky Sports, agreed that there was no conclusive evidence to disallow the goal. “It’s not conclusive. It’s certainly not enough to cancel the goal. I might have flicked it a little bit with my finger,” he said.
Sesco’s 14th-minute goal was just what Manchester United deserved after their good start at Old Trafford.
Just six minutes later, Matheus Cunha had opened the scoring with a volley onto the grass, past Woodman and unassisted by Alexis Mac Allister’s slight deflection.
And Liverpool were left with a mountain to climb, with Fernandes deftly breaking down Sesco’s goal as he tried to tee up the striker inside the penalty area.
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