Rio Ferdinand and Steve McManaman have suggested that Liverpool were perhaps fortunate to have scored their winning goal against Girona.
The Reds all but qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night as they kept up their perfect record in the competition, taking their total to six wins from six games.
In what was a bit of an end-to-end game, Arne Slot’s side ran out 1-0 winners against the LaLiga outfit, with Mohamed Salah’s penalty the difference between the two teams.
Liverpool weren’t at their best, but still created plenty of chances – though the way their winning goal came about is up for debate.
Luis Diaz went down under a challenge from Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek, but was already falling when the Dutcman appeared to stand on his ankle. Still, the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR check.
After the game, Ferdinand and McManaman, who formerly played for Liverpool, gave their verdicts on the call, with the latter giving a relatively damning verdict.
Liverpool were fortunate to be awarded their winning penalty vs Girona, it has been claimed
Luis Diaz was brought down by former Manchester United midfielder Donny van De Beek
While Rio Ferdinand (left) had no doubts Salah would score, Steve McManaman (right) said he would have been ‘distraught’ if the call had been given against him
‘I thought it was no penalty,’ McManaman said on TNT Sports. ‘He stands on his heel, but no one appeals.
‘As they do in Europe, VAR start getting involved. It was a scruffy decision. I would be distraught.
‘You expect the midfielders to close down, it is very unfortunate. It is a contact game and you see more at corners so I don’t think it was a penalty.’
Salah stepped up to score his latest goal for Liverpool – taking his tally to 116 in total this campaign- and that proved to be enough for victory on the night.
The returning Alisson made five saves in the Liverpool goal, but the win will almost certainly see the Reds avoid the play-offs in the next round of the competition.
Slot will now be able to rotate players for the remainder of the group stage of the competition, with two games – against Lille and PSV – remaining.
‘There was no doubt he’d score,’ Rio Ferdinand added of Salah. ‘He didn’t get the ball.
‘But I think there is no intent and clumsy is the best word. He has given an opportunity to the referee.’
