Why Cody Gakpo's goal for Liverpool stood despite Trent Alexander-Arnold handball against Leeds United

An explanation has been given for why Cody Gakpo's against Leeds was allowed to stand despite a handball from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the build-up.

Leeds were pummelled 6-1 by Liverpool at Elland Road but felt aggrieved by the manner in which they conceded the opening goal in the 35th minute.

Gakpo tapped home after being picked out by Alexander-Arnold, who recorded two assists and thrived in his new midfield hybrid role.

But the goal was shrouded in controversy as Alexander-Arnold had clearly handled the ball when he pinched it off Junior Firpo.

Salah then fed him down the right and he squared for Gakpo. Firpo was furious and the goal was checked by VAR.

Yet despite Alexander-Arnold appearing to move his arm towards the ball, the goal stood and Liverpool went 1-0 up despite the absolute uproar from fans.

Sky Sports communicated that the VAR said the incident was "too far back" and on talkSPORT, commentator Sam Matterface

“It’s not going to be handball because it’s not the next direct action which leads to a goal and that happened way in the build-up,” Matterface said.

“If the player who scores the goal touches it just before he puts it in then they will say it’s handball,” Matterface continued.

“The difference here is once the referee has said play on, in order to overturn it then the VAR has to think there was a deliberate attempt by Trent Alexander-Arnold to play it… accidental handball in that zone is not going to be penalised.”

The explanation doesn't quite make sense though, given that there were just two passes before Gakpo stuck the ball in an empty net at the far post.

Liverpool doubled their lead moments later through Salah, who bagged a brace alongside teammate Diogo Jota. Darwin Nunez came off the bench to notch the sixth in a performance which got Jurgen Klopp very excited.

The German was filmed going absolutely crazy on the bench when four of players battled to win the ball back in the 92nd minute.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Cody Gakpo, Liverpool, VAR, Trent Alexander-Arnold

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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