Premier League release statement confirming why Man Utd ace Benjamin Sesko’s goal was not disallowed against Liverpool
THERE was no “conclusive evidence” of a Benjamin Sesko handball to disallow Manchester United’s controversial second goal against Liverpool.
That is according to the Premier League’s official match centre, which has explained why referee Darren England allowed the close range scramble to stand.
Sesko, 21, bundled the ball over the line after backup Reds goalie Freddie Woodman could only palm a Bruno Fernandes headed cross into the United striker’s chest.
The players had long finished celebrating after a blistering start only for England to make everyone wait as it was checked.
And VAR replays showed how the ball bounced up and appeared to roll off the tip of Sesko’s finger on its way in.
Reviewed by Stuart Attwell and Constantine Hatzidakis at Stockley Park, the incident was pored over before the goal was given.
And the Prem reason is: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring.”
Multiple views of the ball rolling around Sesko’s midriff show it coming extremely close to the tips of his fingers.
As both teams and sets of fans waited on the outcome, Sesko put his hand to his head in disbelief.
He was soon celebrating again as England pointed to the centre circle, confirming a goal.
That put United 2-0 up thanks to Matheus Cunha‘s deflected strike in the sixth minute.
That was also briefly checked by VAR after Luke Shaw and Sesko stood in an offside position and in front of Woodman.
They were not in the way of the strike, though, and United put themselves well on the way to securing Champions League football.
When Sesko was nudged by Curtis Jones following a Fernandes cross, an opportunity to double the lead looked to have gone.
Man Utd ratings vs Liverpool
MAN UTD were involved in a thriller as they overcame Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford.
A brilliant start looked to have been thrown away before Kobbie Mainoo came to the rescue.
Here’s how the players rated…
Senne Lammens – 5
Endured his worst moment in goal for United as his dreadful pass out to Alexis Mc Allister handed Liverpool’s equaliser on a plate.
The Belgian had a relatively quiet first half before playing a huge role in United imploding. Recovered somewhat to hack the ball off the line after a scramble.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Worked to get forward as much as possible before the break but should have closed the gap on Szoboszlai before his goal.
Harry Maguire – 6
After keeping United’s strong defensive shape in the first half, Maguire fell apart in the second.
Sold himself too easy to allow Szoboszlai to finish. And he continued to be plagued by more shaky moments as the game dragged on.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Heaven had dealt with his three game cover for Lisandro Martinez with such maturity.
He will only keep developing at this level after a chaotic grudge match between the rivals.
Luke Shaw – 6
Provided the cross for the second goal and defended well against Jeremie Frimpong, who never got to use his pace advantage against the left back.
Fell apart a little after the break as he was booked for a foul on Frimpong and booted the ball out for corner under little pressure.
Casemiro – 6
The midfielder was pivotal in keeping United’s heads after Liverpool equalised but struggled to stem the flows of the visitors’ attacks.
He headed two free-kicks clear but should have done better when Bruno Fernandes from him a point-blank range.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
The Old Trafford announcer said “Manchester born and bred” when Mainoo fired in United’s winner as the academy graduate endured his crowning moment following a torrid 16 months.
Such mature and an esteemed performance from the England hopeful. The 21-year-old has improved defensively and was one of the most fouled players of the first half, with Mac Allister going unpunished for a trip.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
The skipper was electric again and was central to cutting through Liverpool like a hot knife through butter.
He was denied matching the Premier League assist record after Freddie Woodman pushed his cross onto Sesko .
He came inches away from tripling United’s lead, which ended up being more important when it was 2-2. He was incensed with the referee after the interval.
Matheus Cunha – 7
The Brazilian was a welcome return for Carrick after missing the Brentford win through injury. Cunha left everything out there.
His opener was his ninth goal of the campaign and he offered more threat on the left wing than Amad. Moved to No9 in the final 20 minutes.
Bryan Mbeumo – 7
Mbeumo has been stronger since being dropped against Leeds, but United are still waiting to see the player who started the season so strongly.
His back heel that hit the post was classy but proved pivotal as Liverpool levelled shortly after.
Benjamin Sesko – 7
The 22-year-old, who plenty wrote off far too quickly, is now United’s top goalscorer of the season, with 11 in his debut campaign.
He was a handle for Virgil van Dijk and gave Ibrahima Konate the run around, with the Frenchman exacting revenge by launching the striker into the advertising boards. It might have injured him to be point of being replaced at half-time.
SUBS
Amad (for Sesko, 46) – 5
Endured a horrible introduction after a lazy pass was picked up Szoboszlai on the half-way line before the Liverpool star’s goal.
Did well to head a cross into the box which fell to Mainoo for his goal.
Patrick Dorgu (for Mbeumo, 76) – 5
First minutes since pulling his hamstring at Arsenal. Fumbled on the floor when Cunha put him through.
Despite being low on game time, Dorgu fired well wide in stoppage time.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Cunha, 85) – N/A
Leny Yoro (for Fernandes 90+5) – N/A
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The ball was recycled by Cunha to the back post, where assist record chasing Bruno nodded across goal to Sesko.
Woodman’s outstretched arm could only divert the ball into Sesko and then over the line.
United themselves took the long way round to earning three points, giving up their advantage shortly after the break.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo capitalised on mistakes in the United defence to make it 2-2.
Kobbie Mainoo netted a dramatic winner in front of the adoring home crowd who also had his new contract to celebrate.
