Video assisted refereeing (VAR) came to Liverpool’s assistance twice in the first half but even that wasn’t enough to help the reds who were knocked out of the FA Cup.
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Jürgen Klopp said the pressure is on Liverpool following their FA Cup exit and the reaction to defeat by West Bromwich Albion will determine their fortunes in the Champions League.
While those watching at home could see what was going on, those inside Anfield weren’t so lucky.
West Brom boss Alan Pardew questioned the use of VAR in their 3-2 win over Liverpool on Saturday, despite having benefitted from the system.
VAR deems West Brom goal offside 20 mins: Craig Dawson has a goal ruled out that would put West Brom 3-1 up when Gareth Barry is adjudged to have interfered with play from an offside position on VAR viewing.
Liverpool were dumped out of the world’s oldest senior knockout football tournament and it needed a Harry Kane equaliser eight minutes from time to ensure Tottenham remained in the hat after they were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Newport.
The incident occurred in the 23rd minute, but it was not until the 27th that Firmino struck his spot kick.
The VAR, being trialled in English cup competitions this season, was called upon three times by match referee Craig Pawson in the opening half.
Roberto Firmino opened the scoring but a double from Jay Rodriguez turned the game on its head, before a third Baggies goal was disallowed and a Liverpool penalty awarded through VAR, only for Firmino to miss from 12 yards.
“Second half, we had to show character, there’s no doubt about character”, he said. The FA has work to do in order to make VAR a permanent, accepted fixture.
“The West Brom fans are joking about it, but you can just hear confused chatter among the Liverpool fans”.
The Merseyside outfit do not have much time to feel sorry for themselves, with Klopp’s men back in Premier League action on Tuesday night with a trip to Huddersfield.
“When I was a player, if a club bought a central midfielder I am going to war, he ain’t taking my place”. The coveted Jonny Evans was culpable when he allowed Chris Brunt’s back pass to run through to his goalkeeper, Ben Foster, who had not advanced.
“We had a hamstring (injury) just after so we are going to have to get our players to do a warm-up or keep them ticking over”.
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But managers have to live in the present, and West Brom were rewarded for making a good go of things from the start at Anfield. Loris Karius was signed in the hope that he would replace Mignolet as Liverpool’s first choice, but has not impressed when he has played.
