The header was quickly reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR) due to uncertainty about whether Merino was onside. After a lengthy review, the goal was ultimately awarded, giving Arsenal a 2-1 lead at half-time and leaving some Liverpool fans confused.
The Premier League’s official “Match Centre” account on X clarified the decision, stating: “The referee’s goal call was checked and confirmed by VAR, as there were no attackers in an offside position.”
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for Arsenal in the ninth minute, but Virgil van Dijk equalized shortly after. Merino’s header came just before the break. “The first half has been excellent,” commented Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.
Neville also shared his thoughts on Merino’s goal during the commentary: “I think Van Dijk is keeping everyone onside. It looks quite clear. Why is this taking so long?”
Former Everton and Chelsea winger Pat Nevin discussed Merino’s goal on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying, “The ball has been zipped into a very dangerous area, making it tough to defend. This will be checked because it’s very close. It looks slightly offside to me.”
After the goal was confirmed, Nevin added, “You felt it was coming for Arsenal in the last few minutes. Mo Salah has hardly touched the ball for the past 30 minutes, Luis Diaz has been pushed way back, and Darwin Nunez has barely been involved at all.”