Mike Dean is ‘certain’ VAR made a major mistake during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Southampton.

Mike Dean Believes VAR Made a Mistake in Liverpool’s Win Over Southampton

Former referee Mike Dean has shared his thoughts on a controversial decision in Liverpool’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Southampton, suggesting VAR may have erred in allowing the visitors’ opening goal.

The Reds staged an impressive comeback at Anfield, but it was Southampton who struck first just before halftime. Will Smallbone capitalized on a mix-up between Alisson and Virgil van Dijk to give his side a surprise lead.

Dean Convinced Southampton’s Goal Was Offside

Despite a VAR review, the goal was upheld—a decision Dean strongly disagrees with. Speaking on Sky Sports, he expressed his belief that Smallbone was offside:

*”I’m just worried about the goal. They’ve obviously checked it with VAR, but I’ve watched it three or four times, and I’m convinced it’s offside.

The Southampton player goes to challenge the keeper, the ball touches his foot and moves forward, and Smallbone’s left foot appears to be ahead of the defender. Unless there was another defender we couldn’t see on TV, he looks offside to me.”*

Despite Dean’s concerns, the goal stood, and Liverpool went into the break trailing. However, the Reds responded well in the second half, driven by an influential performance from Darwin Núñez.

Núñez’s Eventful Night

The Uruguayan had a turbulent match, narrowly avoiding a red card after a reckless challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters that only resulted in a yellow—much to Southampton’s frustration. But he made up for it later, scoring the equalizer and winning a penalty that helped seal Liverpool’s comeback.

Though Núñez has struggled for consistency this season, making just his eighth start, speculation about his future continues to swirl. GIVEMESPORT’s James Pearce recently suggested an exit is becoming “increasingly likely,” though a turnaround isn’t out of the question.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s victory extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to a commanding 16 points, with just nine matches remaining in the season.