Liverpool supporters are pointing fingers in the wrong direction regarding the draw against Man City. The aftermath of the title race is generating plenty of noise.
Let’s talk about the penalty incident involving Doku. While I understand the frustration of partisan viewpoints, let’s take a neutral stance. Yes, penalties have been given for similar situations, but there are factors to consider. Firstly, Doku makes contact with the ball first. Secondly, although it was a risky challenge, Doku was waiting for the ball to drop to a reachable height. Most importantly, Mac Allister seemed to be looking for contact, leading with his arm to engineer it. This isn’t dissimilar to past incidents, like the Havertz one. Hence, in my opinion, no penalty should have been awarded.
The referee, Michael Oliver, and VAR had to make a challenging decision, which is part of what makes football beautiful. It’s unfair to blame Oliver for such a decision; giving the penalty would have upset City fans just as much. It’s a judgement call, damned either way. Let’s not cry foul play just because a crucial decision went against us.
Instead of solely focusing on the non-penalty incident, perhaps we should also acknowledge missed opportunities, like Diaz’s chance to put us ahead. It’s about enjoying football for what it is, not just seeking scapegoats.
Reflecting on this season, Liverpool has felt hard done by in several games, impacting their points tally. This could have significant implications, especially when those errors occur against title rivals like Spurs and Arsenal.
Looking ahead, the future is still open. While Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures look tough, there’s also uncertainty about how they’ll perform. Meanwhile, City appears strong but could face challenges against Spurs. For us, Old Trafford could be a stumbling block, but the remaining fixtures seem promising.
In the Premier League, anything can happen, regardless of club history or entitlement. It’s about enjoying the unpredictable journey ahead.