The PGMOL have released the official audio from the contentious decision to not award Liverpool a penalty during their clash with Arsenal at Anfield last month.

The PGMOL have released the official audio from the contentious decision to not award Liverpool a penalty during their clash with Arsenal at Anfield last month.

Jurgen Klopp’s side played out a 1-1 draw with the Gunners at L4 but were bizarrely not awarded a spot kick in the first half after the ball struck Martin Odegaard on the arm.

 

On field referee Chris Kavanagh can be heard explaining that the Norwegian’s hand was on the floor meaning he cannot be punished for the ball striking him on the arm, however, when you see a replay of the incident you can clearly see that the Arsenal No. 8 used the ball to retain his balance and prevented Mo Salah from progressing into the box.

 

VAR David Coote and AVAR Lee Betts should’ve intervened and awarded a penalty, something which PGMOL chief Howard Webb admitted on Sky Sports this evening (via @SkySportsPL on X), but yet another shocking decision has went against Liverpool.

 

We currently find ourselves two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League but it remains to be seen whether this controversial incident is something we’ll look back on at the end of the season.

 

Check the PGMOL footage and Webb speaking below:

 

PGMOL chief Howard Webb talks through VAR’s decision to not award Liverpool a penalty for a possible handball against Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard 👇 pic.twitter.com/xAOm6o4xLM

 

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 16, 2024

Liverpool is hopeful of welcoming back a potential Wataru Endō successor in February. There are two roles he could shine in Jürgen Klopp’s current tactical system.

Stefan Bajcetic Liverpool FC Europa League

Stefan Bajcetic in action for Liverpool during the Europa League clash with LASK

The most recent update regarding the potential return of Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajčetić indicated that he is set to return to action in February. After a long time out on the sidelines, that will be a major boost.

 

 

It has been a disappointing campaign so far for the Spaniard, who enjoyed a bright year last season, in which he showed his potential future staple in Jürgen Klopp’s midfield. But how will his role look once he does get back to fitness?

 

His two appearances this season against Leicester City and LASK have seen him play just 72 minutes of competitive action, while his absence has also allowed Liverpool’s new signings to stake their claims for starting places.

 

Wataru Endō is one of the players who may not have previously been expected to be in the way of Bajčetić, but the Japan international’s performances in the six of late have been impressive.

 

Endō stood out more than Declan Rice in the 1-1 draw at Anfield, and he was also excellent against Burnley and Newcastle. Bajčetić could provide an interesting alternative to Alexis Mac Allister, though, given the Argentina star hasn’t ‘fully’ established himself as a long-term anchor.

 

That means that Bajčetić’s performances could also influence how active Liverpool is in the transfer market during the summer. If Klopp looks to him as the second defensive midfield option to Endō, then it is likely the Reds will delay any move for a marquee midfield signing.

 

There aren’t too many realistic options out there right now, but as with every major international tournament, strong performances can see the market value of players quickly rise. That could see a solution emerge this summer if Klopp sees fit, though I think moves are more likely to represent additions to strength-in-depth — particularly with a need to find a viable alternative for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

 

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Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.

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Away from the number six position that fans were desperate to land last summer, Bajčetić also provides an alternative to Curtis Jones in the role that supports the eight. Klopp could have a potential selection dilemma here as he ponders between Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Mac Allister, but it is promising that versatility is rife among Liverpool’s midfield options.

 

 

Of course, Bajčetić will be disappointed with an inactive season that has done little for his development, but it is clear that he is in the right place to evolve, not least after seeing the progress of the likes of Jones, Harvey Elliott, and Jarell Quansah.

 

The Reds’ busy fixture schedule which is likely to include the Champions League next season means there will be plenty of opportunities ahead, and without the pressure to perform instantly, Bajčetić could well realize his potential at Anfield as he follows a path that could see him eventually established as a starter in Klopp’s midfield.

 

As the Spain youth international prepares to return to action, the focus will be on capturing some momentum to head into next season. Hopefully, that will provide the platform for a breakout year.