Rayan Cherki's late winner for Manchester City was a thrilling conclusion to their 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, but the real talking point is the goal that never was. The young French defender's stunning strike from the edge of the box seemed to have sealed the points for the Premier League leaders, but it was disallowed by the linesman on the pitch.
It was a decision that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, as the linesman appeared to be hesitant in his call. But according to Mark Chapman, Wayne Rooney, and Joe Hart, who analyzed the goal on Match of the Day, it was a textbook example of how rules are rules.
According to the panel, Cherki's goal was disallowed because he did not release the ball before shooting it, thereby committing an unfair play. However, replays seemed to suggest that Cherki had indeed released the ball before striking it, which raises questions about the linesman's decision-making on the day.
It's a reminder that in football, mistakes are often made, but it's how they're dealt with that matters. In this case, the disallowed goal was a frustrating end to an incredible match, and one that will be talked about for years to come. As Wayne Rooney pointed out, "rules are rules" - but sometimes, those rules can be infuriatingly harsh.
The decision may have been made in good faith, but it's a stark reminder of the importance of accurate refereeing in football. And as Manchester City continued their dominant run at the top of the Premier League table, fans couldn't help but wonder what could have been had Cherki's goal not been ruled out.
Ultimately, it was a match that will be remembered for its drama and excitement, and one that left everyone involved with a sense of "what if?" - a reminder that in football, anything can happen on the biggest stage.
It was a decision that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, as the linesman appeared to be hesitant in his call. But according to Mark Chapman, Wayne Rooney, and Joe Hart, who analyzed the goal on Match of the Day, it was a textbook example of how rules are rules.
According to the panel, Cherki's goal was disallowed because he did not release the ball before shooting it, thereby committing an unfair play. However, replays seemed to suggest that Cherki had indeed released the ball before striking it, which raises questions about the linesman's decision-making on the day.
It's a reminder that in football, mistakes are often made, but it's how they're dealt with that matters. In this case, the disallowed goal was a frustrating end to an incredible match, and one that will be talked about for years to come. As Wayne Rooney pointed out, "rules are rules" - but sometimes, those rules can be infuriatingly harsh.
The decision may have been made in good faith, but it's a stark reminder of the importance of accurate refereeing in football. And as Manchester City continued their dominant run at the top of the Premier League table, fans couldn't help but wonder what could have been had Cherki's goal not been ruled out.
Ultimately, it was a match that will be remembered for its drama and excitement, and one that left everyone involved with a sense of "what if?" - a reminder that in football, anything can happen on the biggest stage.
the goal was so close to being a winner and now its just another reminder that in football, anything can go wrong. but at the same time, rules are meant to be followed so you cant just bend them whenever u want 
either way, that match was insane!
! I mean, I get it, rules are rules, but come on, that goal looked like a winner to me too! 
I've been watching footy for years and I've never seen a call like that go against your gut. You're right though, mistakes happen, but when they do, especially in games that matter this much, it's gotta be sorted out pronto 
. That goal would've changed the whole game if Cherki had stuck with it 
. Still, a great match and a top win for City 
.
anyway, gotta give Cherki credit for an amazing strike! and yeah, accuracy in refereeing is SO important. you can't blame the player for not knowing the rules but still, it's harsh 
. I mean, Rayan Cherki's got skills for days, and to have it taken away like that is just cruel 
. The linesman's decision was so shakily made, I'd love to know what he was thinkin' 
. Did he not see the ball release? Was he blinded by the Manchester City faithful's energy? 
.
. Now, he'll be replayin' this goal for weeks, wonderin' what could've been 
. And let's be real, that disallowed goal is goin' down as one of the most ridiculous calls we've ever seen on the pitch 
. But you know what? That's just football, right? Anything can happen when you step onto the pitch 
.
It's like they just made up their mind to disallow it. And now everyone's gonna be talking about what could've been for Manchester City if that goal had counted 
... still got chills thinking about it 
️. So yeah, Cherki's goal might've gotten called back, but it's not about whether it should've been allowed or not, it's about how we react to the outcome 
. Do we get salty and bitter, or do we take it like a champ and move on? That's what really matters 
... Cherki's goal was a total giveaway 
. I mean, I get that the linesman made a mistake, but come on, don't try to make a hero out of it 
. Rules are rules and if you can't follow them, then maybe you shouldn't be playing in the top league 
! Rayan Cherki's goal was LITERALLY THAT CLOSE to being a winner 
. That replay is KILLING me - was he really holding onto the ball?! 
. What an incredible match, though! Can't wait to see what's next for Manchester City 
the replays are def showing him releasing the ball before striking it, idk what the linesman saw!