‘You cannot’ - Jürgen Klopp delivers verdict on two key moments in Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp believes Cody Gakpo’s disallowed goal should’ve stood in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, deeming the offside given as an incorrect decision from the officials. Had it counted, the Reds could’ve still been within a shot of Champions League football and Villa’s European dreams would’ve crumbled.

Instead, though, referee John Brooks was guided by VAR to rule the goal out for what was a very contentious reason. Jacob Ramsey gave the visitors a deserved first-half lead after Ollie Watkins missed a penalty and Liverpool responded well to be in the ascendency throughout the second period.

Roberto Firmino, playing his last-ever home game for the Reds, came on as a late substitute and scored a 90th-minute equaliser to create a tense 10 minutes of added time. Villa were able to hold on and the points were shared at Anfield, but Klopp believes they shouldn’t have been.

“I asked the ref why the offside goal was an offside goal because offside situations I think should be clear,” Klopp said post-match. “The ref explained to me it was a subjective decision. He thinks it is a non-deliberate action from the defender. I think it is. I think the VAR wasn’t sure so he maybe thought it was possible,” Klopp continued, frustrated.

That wasn’t the only big call that went against Liverpool as Tyrone Mings survived a VAR check over a possible red card for a high boot on Gakpo. The defender kept his eyes on the ball but he studded the Reds forward in the chest. Klopp’s opinion on that one wasn’t quite as clear-cut, though there was definitely a hint.

“I didn’t see it back so I don’t know if it was a red card. I was probably too far away and only saw Cody after [the stud marks on his chest]. But you cannot do that without being a proper foul,” Klopp said. What the head coach didn’t mention, though, was that more insignificant decisions definitely went in the hosts’ favour.

Fabinho must’ve fouled John McGinn about five or six times before eventually being booked late on, whereas the Villans were denied what seemed like obvious fouls on at least three or four occasions. On balance, considering the severity of each decision, it probably was a fairly-officiated fixture.