Liverpool Secures First League Win Amid VAR Controversy
Liverpool’s first league win of the season came with a sharp reminder that the VAR debate is going nowhere.
Isak’s early double at Portman Road finally got the Reds moving, but a first-half flashpoint has left a former referees’ chief adamant they were denied a clear penalty in the 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
“Nailed-on” – Hackett slams penalty call
With Liverpool already in control thanks to Alexander Isak’s ruthless brace inside the opening 10 minutes, Cody Gakpo burst into the box and was wiped out by Abdul Fatawu in the first half.
Referee waved play on. VAR stayed silent.
Keith Hackett, the former head of PGMOL, could not believe it.
“This is a nailed-on penalty kick decision,” he told Football Insider. “The Ipswich player is so late with his foul challenge that I cannot believe that the referee has not pointed to the penalty mark.
“I understand that the PROref organisation want to see less interference by VAR. However, this non-award of a penalty kick by the referee meets the criteria for a clear and obvious error. VAR should have intervened.”
Liverpool had their win. Hackett’s point is that they should also have had the chance to kill the game from the spot.
Iraola hails response and a “very good” first half
Andoni Iraola was in no mood to dwell on what might have been. For him, this was about a team finally looking like itself again.
“Yes, very pleased with the win, obviously,” the Reds boss said. “We needed this win and as well with the performance – especially [in the] first half we have been a very good team. We put a lot of pressure to the opposition and I think we started really strong in the game.”
The start mattered. Liverpool had been punished for slow openings in their previous outings, and Iraola made it clear that had been addressed.
“I think that we learned, probably, the lessons from the last two games where we conceded early goals and today we didn't want this to happen, and we were really strong in the first half.”
The response was immediate. Aggressive press, front foot, and Isak finishing like a striker who has no interest in easing into the season.
Isak delivers, but Iraola wants more than goals
Two goals in 10 minutes usually define a striker’s night. Iraola, though, set a different bar for his No.9.
“Yes, with Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers,” he said. “My demands with Alex will not be about the goals, probably.
“It will be about other things, I will demand other things so we can play well and if we play well, we are in good positions, the goals will come. I think he has to contribute to the collective and when everyone helps, I think after the goals and the other stuff will come.”
The message was clear: the brace is the by-product, not the job description.
“We were waiting for the first win”
Isak himself sounded more relieved than triumphant. The performance, and the start, mattered as much as the scoreboard.
“Obviously we were waiting for the first win and we were talking about starting the game good, which we haven't done recently. That was perfect for us to get two quick goals,” he said.
“I think we're starting to get the way that we want to play and be offensive and attack the defence. I think we showed that today. We scored two and we could have scored more.
“It's still early. I think we still have a lot to learn and it's game by game at this point.”
Liverpool finally have their first three points. The attack is waking up, the press is biting again, and the manager’s demands are rising.
If this is the baseline, what does this team look like when it really clicks?
