Neither Arne Slot’s Liverpool nor Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have started the 2025/26 Premier League season the way many expected. However, their showdown at the Etihad delivered plenty of drama, especially regarding the controversial decision to rule out Virgil van Dijk’s first-half header for offside.
What is usually a clash between title contenders saw Erling Haaland—considered one of the world’s elite forwards—break the deadlock just before the 30-minute mark. Moments later, Van Dijk appeared to have equalised with a powerful header. The Liverpool captain rose above everyone in the box and sent the ball past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who didn’t react as the ball flew in. It looked certain that the two sides would go into the interval level, but confusion quickly followed.
Premier League explains Van Dijk’s disallowed goal
Liverpool players celebrated, convinced the score was now 1–1. Many fans online reacted with frustration, with one posting: “Liverpool robbed.”
Referee Chris Kavanagh disallowed the goal, ruling that Andy Robertson was offside and obstructing Donnarumma’s view. Replays showed Robertson ducking beneath Van Dijk’s header, but officials determined he was still interfering with the goalkeeper.
The Premier League’s Match Centre later clarified the decision:
> “The referee’s on-field decision of offside and no goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Robertson in an offside position and clearly making an action in front of the goalkeeper.”
On Sky Sports commentary, Gary Neville admitted he was baffled by the decision, while Micah Richards agreed during the halftime discussion. Many Liverpool supporters shared the outrage online.
To add to Liverpool’s frustration, City struck again before the break. Nico Gonzalez fired a shot from a Bernardo Silva pass, and the ball deflected off Van Dijk’s leg, beating goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to make it 2–0.
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