Liverpool secured their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals after a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Southampton, but the tie was marred by a major VAR controversy involving Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
The Swedish international, who came on as a second-half substitute for the Championship side, thought he had pulled a goal back with a sublime finish past Caoimhin Kelleher. The strike sent the travelling Saints fans into delirium and set up a grandstand finish at Anfield.
However, the joy was short-lived. After a lengthy VAR review, the goal was chalked off for a marginal offside against Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up. Replays showed the Southampton defender was perhaps a shoulder ahead of the last Liverpool defender when the ball was played forward, leaving Isak and manager Russell Martin furious on the touchline.
Klopp's Young Guns Fire Liverpool to Victory
Despite fielding a heavily rotated side, Jurgen Klopp's young stars rose to the occasion. Eighteen-year-old Lewis Koumas opened the scoring with his first senior goal, cutting inside before seeing a deflected effort loop over Southampton goalkeeper Joe Lumley.
The Reds then sealed the game late on through another teenager, Jayden Danns. The 18-year-old came off the bench to score a brilliant brace, showing remarkable composure to ensure Liverpool's quest for a quadruple remains alive.
Post-Match Reaction and Fallout
The decision to disallow Isak's goal is sure to dominate the headlines. The precision of the offside call, often criticised for being overly technical and going against the 'spirit of the game', will once again be debated by pundits and fans alike.
For Southampton, it's a cruel exit from the competition after a performance that deserved more. For Liverpool, it's a case of job done as they navigate an injury crisis and advance to the last eight.
