Why VAR line for Everton's goal against Liverpool was 'wonky'

EVERTON'S opening goal against Liverpool last night may have been disallowed under new rules coming in next season.

Jarrad Branthwaite netted the Toffees opener after 27 minutes to send them on their way to a first win over Liverpool at Goodison Park in 14 years.

The win and three vital points saw Sean Dyche's side all-but confirm their Premier League safety and severely cripple Liverpool's title hunt.

Branthwaite's goal had to go through a VAR check before it was confirmed.

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However, it has been revealed that next season the decision may have gone the other way.

This is because of the introduction of semi-automated offside technology.

Premier League clubs rejected it's implementation at the start of the season before voting it into use for the 2024/25 season - though clubs have been blasted because it will not be ready from the start of the campaign.

ESPN reporter Dale Johnson explained: "Everton's goal was onside as Jarrad Branthwaite was within the tolerance level of the current offside technology.

"Next season with the introduction of semi-automated technology, which has no tolerance level, it may well be disallowed."

Eagle-eyed fans were able to notice a second controversy, this time involving the lines drawn by VAR officials when checking the goal.

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The lines drawn when checking the goal were "wonky" due to the "severe camber" of the Goodison Park pitch.

Johnson explained: "Goodison Park has quite a severe camber, which means the line often looks a little weird because the tech is mapped to the pitch.

"If viewed from above the line would be completely straight."

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin powered home a header in the second half to put the icing on the cake as Jurgen Klopp's side missed a catalogue of chances to score.

Reds icon Jamie Carragher said after the game: "This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end.

"Tonight is Everton's night, you have to take it on the chin.

"They played into Everton’s hands. The way Liverpool started was really naive, poor, giving silly fouls away.

"They got into the game but the chance (Darwin) Nunez misses before half time is unforgivable at this level. That’s not acceptable at this level."

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been linked with Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as the successor to Klopp.