VAR Review Determines Abdoulaye Doucoure Was Onside for James Tarkowski’s Last-Minute Equalizer in Everton’s Merseyside Derby Against Liverpool at Goodison Park

A Dramatic Equalizer and VAR Drama at Goodison

On Wednesday night, Goodison Park was buzzing with excitement after James Tarkowski’s dramatic equalizer against Liverpool.

The goal, which came in the dying moments of the Merseyside derby, sparked wild celebrations among Everton fans.

Many couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Phil Jagielka’s famous strike at Anfield back in 2014, as both goals have become iconic moments in the long history of the rivalry. But Tarkowski’s volley almost didn’t stand due to some controversial VAR checks.

The VAR Process and Doucoure’s Role

As Tarkowski’s volley flew into the net, the celebrations quickly turned into tense waiting.

The VAR team took their time to check whether Abdoulaye Doucoure was offside in the lead-up to the goal.

Liverpool players were also arguing that Beto had fouled Ibrahima Konaté, adding more drama to the situation. Ultimately, after a long review, Doucoure was ruled onside, and the goal was given, keeping the score at 2-2. However, the decision was far from straightforward, and some fans still feel Doucoure was on the wrong side of the line.

The Fine Line of VAR Decisions

Here’s where things get a little more complicated.

When VAR officials check for offside, they draw lines to measure the position of the player’s body parts that can score a goal.

This is where the tolerance level comes in—there’s a 5cm margin that benefits the attacker if the lines are close to touching.

While this tolerance is not explicitly stated in the rules of football, it’s a known part of the VAR process and aims to give the benefit of the doubt to the attacking player.

So, even if Doucoure was marginally offside, the tolerance might have swung the decision in his favor, allowing the goal to stand.

The Controversial Yet Historic Moment

While some may argue about the fairness of such a tolerance, it’s also seen by many as a way to reward attacking play and preserve historic moments in football.

Tarkowski’s goal, on the occasion of his 100th Premier League appearance for Everton, was undoubtedly one of the highlights of his career.

The goal also provided a fitting end to the Merseyside derbies at Goodison Park, leaving the record at 41 wins each for Everton and Liverpool, with 38 draws.

Tarkowski himself was clearly over the moon, saying, “Amazing to score and what an amazing night,” adding that when he saw the ball heading wide, he thought, “Last minute, why not?”

Liverpool’s Disappointment

For Liverpool, however, the equalizer was a gut punch.

Captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his frustration, saying, “Very disappointing to concede in the last second of the game.

” He acknowledged that the derby is always a big occasion for Everton, adding, “This is their cup final, and they would try to do everything in their power to make it difficult for us.

It is a big boost for them but a blow for us.”

While Everton’s fans left Goodison Park celebrating, Liverpool were left to reflect on what could have been.

It’s a result that will surely be remembered for both the emotional highs and the controversial VAR moments that played a part in it.