Manchester United’s chance to secure a second goal against Brighton was thwarted by an unexpected offside call, which led to the goal being disallowed.
The Red Devils thought they had taken a 2-1 lead in the 70th minute when Alejandro Garnacho converted a cross from Bruno Fernandes at the far post. Garnacho, having come off the bench for the second time that week, celebrated with his teammates.
However, the goal was annulled after VAR discovered that substitute Joshua Zirkzee had made slight contact with the ball before it crossed the line. Replays showed that Zirkzee’s knee barely touched the ball and, crucially, he was in an offside position ahead of Garnacho at the time.
Consequently, VAR concluded that Zirkzee was offside, resulting in the disallowance of the goal.
The Premier League later explained the decision on their Match Centre Twitter account: “Zirkzee’s goal was initially given on the field. VAR reviewed for a possible offside and advised that the goal be disallowed. The referee then resumed play with a Brighton free-kick.”
Earlier in the game, Manchester United had gone behind in the first half when Danny Welbeck, a former United player, scored his 100th career goal. United equalized through Amad Diallo, who was making his first Premier League start of the season.
Unfortunately for Erik ten Hag’s side, Brighton scored a late winner through Joao Pedro. Pedro, unmarked in the penalty area, headed the ball past Andre Onana, clinching a 2-1 victory for Brighton.
