Jurgen Klopp aimed a subtle dig at Arsenal after Germany had an extra-time goal disallowed during their shock World Cup defeat to Paraguay. Julian Nagelsmann's side thought they had taken the lead in the 116th minute in Boston as Jonathan Tah powered home a header at the back post. However, following a VAR review, referee Jalal Jayed decided to rule out the goal as Waldemar Anton was judged to have fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the build-up.
Controversial VAR decision
Anton appeared to brush Gill after a corner was put into the box, and Tah was there free to head into the top corner. But Jayed felt Anton fouled the Paraguay shot-stopper, leaving Germany furious. Paraguay ended up holding out for a 1-1 draw after extra-time and then won 4-3 on penalties to progress through to the Round of 16, sending four-time winners Germany home in the process.
Klopp's criticism of Arsenal
Speaking post-match, former Liverpool manager Klopp delivered his verdict on the controversial disallowed goal and claimed Arsenal 'scored 60% of their goals that way' en route to the Premier League title. 'If the goal is illegal, then Arsenal won't be English champions,' Klopp told MagentaTV. 'They've scored 60% of their goals that way. We win the game when the ball goes in. So, of course, this is brutal.'
The Gunners scored 25 Premier League goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) during their 2025/26 title-winning campaign, which was the highest total in the division. In the process, Mikel Arteta's side set a new Premier League single-season record for the most goals scored from corners (19), with Gabriel Magalhaes (3) and Jurrien Timber (3) among those benefitting.
Arsenal's set-piece tactics
Across the season, Arsenal faced criticism for the physical approach they adopted on corners, with goalkeepers often targeted as Arteta and set-piece coach Nicolas Jover tried to get the maximum advantage. Klopp's criticism of Arsenal won't cover up the fact Germany have been eliminated from the World Cup at the last 32 stage, however, with Nagelsmann's side tipped as strong favourites to progress pre-match.
Paraguay, ranked 22 places below Germany in the FIFA World Rankings, stunned their European opponents. They had taken the lead through ex-Brighton and Ipswich man Julio Enciso in the first half, only for Arsenal's Kai Havertz to equalise after the break. Despite increasing pressure from Die Mannschaft, Paraguay held on for penalties before squeezing through in the shootout to book a tie against either France or Sweden next up.
