Liverpool are facing serious issues but Diogo Jota is a ray of light

VAR played a key role as Liverpool were denied three points at the Amex.

Welcome to post COVID football. It’s a land where fans cannot celebrate goals until five minutes after the ball hits the back of the net, where marginal decisions are inconsistently adjudicated by officials, where context is removed and slow motion is the order of the day and where penalties are now the norm, not the exception.

In the cold light of day, the Champions were lucky to escape the South Coast with a point after Brighton missed a first half penalty and a 1 on 1 situation against Alisson Becker following a dreadful first half.

But these circumstances were down to missed opportunities, not questionable officiating – which was evident with Mo Salah’s disallowed goal. If the officials want to draw lines then they need to expect scrutiny over where the lines are drawn.

Why was the Brighton defender’s right foot used and not his left shoulder? The VAR anthem is surely head, shoulders, knees and toes….with armpits thrown in for good measure.

The introduction of captain Jordan Henderson changed the complexion of the game in the second half. In a week when the football world paid tribute to the passing of the legendary Diego, our own Diogo Jota scored a goal worthy of the name.

One would be hard pressed to find a better footballer in the league right now. His energy, adaptability and goal record has been scintillating and sensational.

The game ended in controversial circumstances with Andy Robertson joining Neco Williams as full backs who gave away penalties. An injury to James Milner, a deeply frustrated Jurgen Klopp and a thin squad are now facing their biggest game of the season at Anfield against Ajax to secure safe passage into the next round of the Champions League.

Liverpool are facing issues of quality as well as quantity with squad players not performing at the required levels when given the chance to play. A congested schedule awaits in December; coupled with some long-term injuries.

Therefore, the Champions need to seriously consider delving into the transfer market in January to keep as much of the show on the road as possible.

The wider questions about the application of VAR began last season but have gathered momentum this. That debate is for another day but there is no doubt that Premier League football has lost energy and zest.

Riaz Ravat is a member of Liverpool FC’s Equality & Diversity Fan Forum. He writes in a personal capacity.