DRAMA unfolded at Anfield as Diogo Jota ‘dive’ sparks controversy in Liverpool win over Newcastle

Newcastle keeper Dubravka has admitted it to be a penalty!

DRAMA unfolded at Anfield as Diogo Jota ‘dive’ sparks controversy in Liverpool win over Newcastle

Diogo Jota's controversial moment against Newcastle United. (Via X/@TheEuropeanLad)

Liverpool took on Newcastle United at Anfield on Monday. The table toppers gained a three-point lead over Aston Villa as a thrilling encounter saw the home side win 4-2. The fixture truly lived up to its billing in terms of goals, passion, and controversial moments as well. Liverpool were leading 3-2 when Diogo Jota‘s controversial moment happened. Following the incident, fans and pundits alike have voiced their disbelief.

The minute was 84, and Diogo Jota was through on goal thanks to a sublime through ball played by Alexis Mac Allister. Jota rounded the keeper and was in sight of an empty net. Surprisingly, the Portuguese appeared to take the ball away from Dubravka but then tumbled to the ground after taking two steps. The live television broadcast did not show any or much contact, and the replays were equally divided.

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VAR, however, ruled for a penalty which Mohamed Salah converted with ease. Following the incident, drama ensued on social media as well. Many believe that Jota did in fact ‘dive’.

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https://twitter.com/MitomaSZN/status/1741986885919031484?s=20

To add to that, Arsenal legend Ian Wright took to Twitter and wrote, 

Would rather go down for a penalty than put the ball in an empty net! Seen it all.

Subsequently, Chelsea legend John Terry and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer were left to question how VAR could give a penalty for such a thing.

Much to the shock of many fans and pundits, Newcastle’s custodian, Dubravka – who had an amazing individual night – admitted to it being a penalty during a post-match interview. He said,

My arms are not trying to catch him. I don't have to agree but at the end of the day it was a penalty.

Liverpool record highest ever xG in Premier League history against Newcastle in 4-2 win

Liverpool vs Newcastle saw 6 goals scored at Anfield. The thrilling fixture ended in favor of the hosts, with the scoreboard reading 4-2. Goals from Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones, and Cody Gakpo were enough for the home side to earn 3 points on the night. Despite all the controversy, Liverpool managed to accumulate an unbelievable 7.27 xG against the visitors. This is the highest ever recorded in a Premier League game.

Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota
Curtis Jones’ goal vs Newcastle United. (Via X/@ThisIsAnfield)

Luis Diaz‘s offside goal and Mohamed Salah’s penalty miss were all clear-cut chances for Liverpool to go ahead. Salah’s opener from point black and Curtis Jones’ tap-in from Salah’s pass were unmissable chances. Darwin Nunez was convinced that he had scored, only for Martin Dubravka to make a stunning save in front of goal. Gakpo also had an easy job guiding home Salah’s pass from right in front of the goal.

The Egyptian’s penalty in the 86th minute also added to the xG as he found the back of the net with ease. Jürgen Klopp’s side impressively converted 4 goals from an ‘expected’ 7.27. Moreover, the win now gives Liverpool a three-point lead over Aston Villa and a 5 point lead over defending champions Manchester City. The Cityzens however, have a game in hand.

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