Liverpool were left fuming after Sadio Mane’s goal in the 18th minute of their match against Arsenal at the Emirates was disallowed for offside after the linesman raised his flag after the ball hit the back of the net.
Mane’s teammate Roberto Firmino was played in on goal by Trent Alexander Arnold, and the Brazilian saw his effort hit the post, which came back right into the path of Mane who, from a few yards out, tapped the ball home to give the visitors the lead in the capital.
But no, it wasn’t to be as the linesman whipped up his flag, and in turn the referee Andre Marriner ruled the goal out.
As was explained by former referee Peter Walton on BT Sport the goal should actually have stood.
Here’s why.
“The ball came over and Mane is in an offside position but he’s not active so he’s not offside.
"We then enter the second phase of play so as the ball is pushed forward Mane is clearly behind the ball and therefore being played onside.
"It’s a good goal."
So there you go, Liverpool should have been a goal to the good 20 minutes into the match.
20 minutes later Arsenal would have a goal disallowed too after Alexandre Lacazette was flagged offside.
If Liverpool go on and win the match they will leapfrog Man City and go top-of-the-table, although a draw will also be enough to finish the day at the summit of the table, at least until Sunday when City host Southampton at the Etihad.
