Liverpool secured a crucial victory over Wolves to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table, but the match wasn’t without controversy. One particular moment caught the attention of pundit Micah Richards, who praised VAR for its role in overturning a contentious penalty decision.
During the game, Diogo Jota went down in the box after an apparent challenge, initially winning a penalty for his side. However, upon review, VAR determined that the Portuguese forward had initiated contact rather than being fouled, leading to the decision being reversed.
Richards, discussing the incident, admitted that at first glance, it seemed like a clear penalty:
*”Initially, we all thought it was a penalty. But on the next angle, you can see Jota flings his left leg into the defender. It’s not a penalty, and he’s lucky—he should probably have been booked for that.”*
**Jota’s Misstep in an Otherwise Strong Performance**
For Jota, the moment was a blemish on an otherwise solid outing against his former club. Having recently returned to full fitness, the 28-year-old was back in Liverpool’s starting lineup and played an important role in their attack.
Known for being a nightmare for defenders—many former Premier League stars have labeled him one of their toughest opponents—Jota’s decision to go down instead of trying to finish the chance was frustrating to watch. Had he stayed on his feet, he might have scored a goal that would have sealed the win and calmed nerves at Anfield.
Despite this incident, Jota’s overall performance was encouraging. As Liverpool head into a busy period with crucial fixtures on the horizon, fans will be hoping he can maintain his form while avoiding unnecessary controversies.