VAR controversy as Premier League leaders Everton held Champion Liverpool to a 2-2 score in the matchday five on Saturday ear]ly kick-off at Goodison Park.

Senegalese forward Sadio Mane put the visitors ahead in the third minute but they were furious soon afterwards when a wild challenge by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford on Virgil van Dijk, committed after an offside decision, saw the defender having to go off injured with VAR failing to review the tackle.Everton, who had won their previous seven games in all competitions, equalised swiftly at Goodison Park when Michael Keane headed in a corner from the outstanding James Rodriguez.

Liverpool, with Thiago Alcantara at the heart of everything, were back in front with 18 minutes left when Mohamed Salah volleyed in Yerry Mina’s poor clearance to set up a frantic finale, with only Pickford’s magnificent save from Joel Matip’s header keeping Everton in the hunt.

The in-form Calvert-Lewin levelled once again with nine minutes to play before Richarlison was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Thiago at Goodison Park.

Liverpool thought they had won it in stoppage time when Pickford could not keep out Jordan Henderson’s shot – but in a finish to match the chaotic nature of the game, Mane was adjudged to be offside after a lengthy wait for the VAR decision.

The result means Everton maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while champions Liverpool remain third on the table.

source:- fcnaija