Controversy trailed Liverpool’s victory against Bournemouth on Saturday as the leaders go nine points clear on the English Premiership table.
Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty, awarded after Cody Gakpo appeared to trip over his own feet rather than bee fouled by Lewis Cook, left the hosts furious.
Despite Bournemouth’s protests, referee Darren England’s decision was upheld by VAR, with the Premier League later confirming the challenge was deemed a trip by Cook.
Salah, undeterred by the controversy, doubled his tally late in the game, sealing another crucial win for Arne Slot’s side. The Egyptian forward’s brace took his league tally to 21 goals in 23 games this season and moved him ahead of Frank Lampard into sixth place on the all-time Premier League scoring chart with 178 goals.
Liverpool are now unbeaten in 19 league games, winning 17 of their 23 matches in a dominant campaign under Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer.
With a nine-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, the Reds can now watch as Manchester City take on the Gunners on Sunday—a result that could further boost their title hopes.
Liverpool’s next challenge comes on Thursday when they host Tottenham in the League Cup semi-final second leg, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit as they continue their chase for a historic quadruple. However, Slot will be sweating over the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off with an injury in the second half.
Bournemouth, who had stunned Manchester City and Arsenal at home this season, saw their 11-match unbeaten run come to an end against a relentless Liverpool side that looks destined to reclaim the Premier League crown.
Crediblenewsng.com
