Arne Slot was left visibly devastated after Andy Robertson’s stoppage-time goal was disallowed in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool had taken a commanding two-goal lead by halftime, with Mo Salah particularly dazzling the opposition. However, Arsenal fought back to earn a point—mirroring the scoreline from their earlier meeting in October.
The Reds believed they’d clinched victory in the dying moments when Robertson scored from a rebound after David Raya saved Virgil van Dijk’s header. But celebrations were short-lived, as the assistant referee flagged the goal off for what appeared to be a tight offside and/or a possible foul by Ibrahima Konate on Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Slot stunned as dramatic winner ruled out
Slot’s reaction said it all. In disbelief, he held his head in his hands and covered his mouth, visibly distressed while appealing to the fourth official for an explanation.
A blow for Liverpool, but not a major setback
Had the Premier League title not already been secured, the decision would’ve been far more painful. But with Liverpool comfortably ahead—still 15 points clear of Arsenal—the disallowed goal had little impact on the bigger picture.
While the offside call may have been borderline, replays indicated a foul on Lewis-Skelly likely justified the referee’s decision. If roles had been reversed, Liverpool would’ve demanded the same ruling.
Ultimately, the decision was an irritation rather than a disaster. In two weeks, the Reds return to Anfield to lift the Premier League trophy, with the match against Crystal Palace serving as a prelude to the real celebration—when Slot and his squad can truly enjoy their triumph.
Watch Slot’s emotional reaction to the disallowed goal below, via @1414chiesa on X:
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