In a pivotal moment during Wednesday’s clash between Liverpool and Chelsea, Virgil van Dijk managed to escape a potential penalty controversy after what seemed like a trip on Conor Gallagher. Despite the visible challenge, both referee Paul Tierney and VAR opted not to award the penalty, sparking contentious discussions.

This incident unfolded during Jurgen Klopp’s emotional return for his first home league match since announcing his departure, adding a significant backdrop to the game.

Under Klopp’s leadership, Liverpool asserted dominance from the beginning, keeping Chelsea on the defensive. Despite Chelsea’s struggles, they had a rare opportunity when Gallagher fell under Van Dijk’s challenge. However, the decision not to award the penalty remained, fueling debates among fans and analysts.

In the 23rd minute, Liverpool capitalized on defensive lapses from Chelsea as Diogo Jota broke the deadlock. Exploiting vulnerabilities in Chelsea’s backline, the Portuguese forward showcased Liverpool’s attacking prowess.

The first-half spectacle continued with Conor Bradley securing his first-ever Liverpool goal, further solidifying Liverpool’s control over the match before halftime.