The epic showdown between Manchester United and Liverpool is heating up at Old Trafford. But with the stakes this high, you can bet on some fireworks too. One of the controversies occurred within the first 7 minutes when Liverpool’s defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, scored a goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside. But on what grounds did VAR break the hearts of Merseyside and bring relief to the Red Devils?

Ryan Gravenberch came dribbling near the center of United’s box and played a pass on the left flank for Luis Diaz, who dribbled close near the bottom-left post only to play a short cross in the penalty box for Mohamed Salah and Diego Jota. Both couldn’t get the ball on their feet as it got deflected from Lisandro Martinez. However, it did go far to the right post where Alexander-Arnold came running, unmarked by any rival defender.

The right-back took his chance and made a shoot. While Trent’s shot did cross the line, so did United’s Diogo Dalot and Salah as the ball touched the Egyptian winger and came back outside the penalty box. Unfortunately, Mohamed Salah was offside when he touched the ball. Yet, Liverpool players raised their hands and thought the goal stood.

Initially, referee Anthony Taylor raised his hand to his left and signaled it was goal. Players started running towards the away stand and celebrated the opener as if it was a 90-minute winner or a screamer. Meanwhile, United players ran towards Anthony Taylor to protest to rule out the goal. This eventually saw the official whistle and ran towards the VAR screen to analyze the incident.

On a brief discussion with the linesman and the fourth official, Taylor ruled out Alexander-Arnold’s goal due to Salah being offside when the ball touched the former Roma man. This not only broke the hearts of Liverpool players and fans but also marred an iconic celebration from Trent after he thought he had scored.

Disallowed goal spoils an iconic celebration pulled by Trent Alexander-Arnold

After scoring a goal before it got disallowed, Trent Alexander-Arnold ran toward one of the broadcasting cameras and kissed the screen while holding it with both hands. Now, we know ardent fans must have had a sudden nostalgic feeling when they witnessed this celebration from Trent. For those unaware, this was something done by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard over 16 years ago.

The biggest coincidence comes from the fact that the iconic England midfielder had also performed this celebration during the Premier League game against Manchester United at Old Trafford back in the 2008/09 season, by scoring a penalty though. Gerrard’s strike from the spot doubled the score line before Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty was equalized by Fernando Torres.

In the latter half, Fabio Aurelio scored a stunning left-footed free-kick into the right corner, and Andrea Dossena added in the stoppage time to see Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United lose 1-4 at home. It was certainly one of the most iconic matches. Either way, it’s sad that Trent Alexander-Arnold recreated Steven Gerrard’s iconic celebration at the wrong time. Perhaps one day, he might do it at the right place and right time.