Carragher reacts with anger to two clear VAR mistakes in the controversial clash between Liverpool and Arsenal…

Carragher expresses outrage over two ‘obvious’ VAR errors in the Liverpool vs Arsenal match.

Arsenal had a remarkable first half against Liverpool, highlighted by goals from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino, though the latter’s goal sparked some debate.

Mikel Merino was deemed ONSIDE following an extensive VAR review during the match against Liverpool.

The Spanish midfielder regained the lead for the Gunners with an impressive header, connecting perfectly with Declan Rice’s exceptional cross.

Despite a prolonged VAR check, Merino was found to be just onside, thanks to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. The Premier League has since explained the reason for the lengthy stoppage.

A statement from the Premier League noted: “The referee’s decision to award the goal was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, as there were no attackers in an offside position.”

This decision allowed Merino to celebrate his first goal since joining Arsenal in the summer, which was vital for the Gunners as they took the lead again after Saka and Van Dijk had traded goals.

The marginal offside call was not the only VAR incident in the first half of the Arsenal vs Liverpool match.

The Gunners also believed they should have been awarded a penalty for a challenge by Ibrahima Konate on Gabriel Martinelli.

However, the referee was unconvinced, and VAR also ruled that the challenge did not warrant a penalty.

Another statement from the Premier League clarified: “The referee’s decision of no penalty for the challenge by Konate on Martinelli was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, which determined that Konate played the ball.”

The VAR controversy extended beyond the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, affecting Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United as well.

A contentious decision arose when Matthijs de Ligt’s late tackle on Danny Ings was initially ruled not to warrant a penalty.

However, VAR intervened, leading to a penalty being awarded, which was successfully converted by West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen.

In the aftermath, the Premier League sought to clarify the situation. Their statement explained, “The referee did not initially award a penalty to West Ham for de Ligt’s challenge on Ings.

However, the VAR identified sufficient contact on Ings’ lower leg and suggested an on-field review. Consequently, the referee reversed his original decision and awarded a penalty.”

Ten Hag expressed his frustration over the ruling, stating, “This season, we have felt injustice on three occasions.

Prior to the season, there was guidance indicating that VAR should only intervene in clear and obvious errors. This was certainly not a clear and obvious mistake by the on-field referee.

“While it’s frustrating, there’s little I can do about it. They don’t earn points, and that’s our focus. We need to reflect on our performance; we failed to score despite playing well.”