Mohamed Salah’s contentious penalty set Liverpool on course for a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points on Saturday.
The penalty decision, which saw Cody Gakpo appear to trip over his own feet rather than be brought down by Lewis Cook, left Bournemouth furious. However, VAR upheld referee Darren England’s initial call.
“The referee’s call of penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the challenge deemed to have been a trip by Cook on Gakpo. The VAR also confirmed Gakpo was onside in the build-up,” the Premier League stated.

Salah rubbed salt into Bournemouth’s wounds by scoring again in the second half, securing Liverpool’s 19th consecutive league match without defeat. The Egyptian forward has now netted 21 goals in 23 league games this season, reaching the 20-goal mark for the fifth time in his Premier League career.
His tally of 178 Premier League goals has also moved him ahead of Frank Lampard into sixth place on the all-time scoring chart.
With Arsenal facing Manchester City on Sunday, Liverpool could benefit further in their push for a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.
Arne Slot’s side, chasing a quadruple, now turns their focus to overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Tottenham in Thursday’s League Cup semi-final.
The only setback for Liverpool was an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off in the second half.