In the clash between Liverpool and Newcastle United on the first day of 2024, Anfield witnessed an explosive start to 2024 with the Reds dominating the game. They set a Premier League record for expected goals since the stat began to be recorded, took an impressive 34 shots, and held 62 per cent possession.Despite Liverpool’s overwhelming control, the scoreline remained tight until the late stages of the game. It was Mohamed Salah’s successful penalty in the 86th minute that sealed a 4-2 victory for Liverpool. However, the penalty decision stirred controversy.Here’s slow mo of the incident. Dubravka L elbow hits Jota L ankle while that leg is in forward motion. The instant that foot touches grass for the 1st time he goes down. Absolutely nothing wrong with it. pic.twitter.com/nBd1iKsO8k— 𝑅𝒾𝒶𝒶𝓃 𝒜𝓊𝒸𝒶𝓂𝓅 ✯ (@Riaan_A) January 2, 2024 Diogo Jota, advancing towards the goal, manoeuvred past goalkeeper Martin Dubravka before seemingly being clipped, prompting his fall in the penalty area. Dubravka, although involved in the incident in which he made contact with Jota before the Liverpool player soon went to the ground.”My arms are not trying to catch him. I don’t have to agree, but at the end of the day, it was a penalty.”##NAJAVA_MECA_7775992##The situation involved contact, although minimal, and Jota’s decision to go down seemed influenced by the belief that his stride was disrupted, possibly denying him a clear opportunity on goal. Yet, the delayed reaction and apparent minimal contact made it an easy target for criticism, especially considering that Jota might have had an open goal if he had stayed on his feet.The touch from Dubravka might have disrupted Jota’s stride enough to potentially impede his progress towards the ball. While it’s a contentious decision, the call ultimately favoured Liverpool. However, Liverpool’s overall dominance and the controversial penalty call are unlikely to change the opinions of those seeking reasons to criticize the outcome.
