Liverpool managed to beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 as Harvey Elliott came off the bench and scored the match-winning goal.
Elliott’s goal was certainly against the run of play as Liverpool were utterly dominated by PSG.
But Arne Slot will not care too much and nor will his players as they won a game that they were perhaps fortunate to on the balance of play.
Now, Liverpool head into the second leg at Anfield with a one-goal lead against PSG and it’s safe to say that they are the favourites to go through to the next round.
Luis Enrique’s side cannot be written off based on how impressive they have been throughout the season and against the Premier League leaders on Wednesday.
But the Merseyside-based club tend to do the business in their backyard.
Paul Merson says Ibrahima Konate deserved red card in PSG vs Liverpool
However, there is controversy around Liverpool’s win against PSG as Ibrahima Konate’s challenge on Bradley Barcola when he was running through on goal was not deemed a red-card offence.
Konate gave Barcola a push from outside the box but ultimately, the French defender was not punished upon his return to his hometown, Paris.
However, Paul Merson feels the Liverpool centre-back deserved to be handed a straight red card against PSG.
Merson said on Sky Sports: “Oh, massive [letoff] in my opinion. The ball goes over the top, Barcola in front of Konate and he’s in front of him, just outside the box, Konate comes in behind him and he charges him!”
“He pushes him, he goes flying, just outside the box, not a penalty but definitely a red card. They go for a video check, takes about a minute or two minutes and then the ref says play on. Unbelievable decision. He is very, very fortunate and Liverpool are very fortunate and playing with 10 men here.”
However, some might disagree with Paul Merson and deemed Konate’s challenge on Barcola as a slight push and perhaps praise VAR for not marring what was a blockbuster clash between PSG and Liverpool.
Why Ibrahima Konate didn’t get a red card in PSG vs Liverpool
But the question many will pose is why the former RB Leipzig defender did not get a red card.
After all, the 25-year-old made no attempt of the ball and by challenging his countryman, he denied the latter a clear goalscoring opportunity.
But after a long VAR check, the reason why Konate escaped a red card against PSG is because the Liverpool titan’s challenge on Barcola was not deemed clear and obvious to demand the referee’s decision being overturned.
Arne Slot, however might decide to have a chat with the now-experienced defender about his challenge.
While the Carabao Cup winner did not get sent off, he could very well on another night.
But many will perhaps agree with Paul Merson about Konate deserving a red card against PSG, including Barcola who will be gutted about how his side let Liverpool clinch the all-important victory.
