Merson reacts to PSG v Liverpool drama live in Sky studio as incident unfolds
Liverpool were involved in a controversial moment in the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Arne Slot brought his side to the French capital (5 March) in the hope of gaining a commanding lead before the second leg at Anfield in a week’s time.
However, the Parisians had the advantage in the early stages of the contest and nearly took the lead on several occasions.
Liverpool get lucky against PSG
Liverpool target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined the French champions in the winter transfer window, took the ball past Ryan Gravenberch and bent an effort into the net in the 20th minute.
However, the goal was ruled out for an offside but Merson believes it was a harsh decision against the Ligue 1 side and that the Reds were lucky to avoid being a goal down.
Speaking on Sky Sports (5 March, 20:23 pm), he said: “It’s offside, I thought it might be just offside and this is going to be inches.
“I’m not exaggerating, inches, when they showed this, I thought it might be tight, it will be a toe.”
Slot needs to change things for Liverpool
The Reds need to make changes in the second leg if they are to progress into the next round after a miserable performance in Paris.
Slot broke Jurgen Klopp’s record for using the same exact starting eleven when he named his team despite it being his first season in the dugout but his lineup did not work the way he would have liked.
| Stats | Possession | Shots |
| PSG | 72% | 24 |
| Liverpool | 28% | 1 |
The hosts were the much better side, threatening constantly due to the space on the wings allowed by the Merseysiders’ partnership of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
The L4 outfit could find themselves having to make another remarkable Champions League comeback at Anfield with the way the contest is going after the first leg.
The Reds have not been able to get any threatening attacking moves started, therefore they need to make adjustments if they are to avoid having to get a result at home.
They are slightly hamstrung by the fact that Cody Gakpo is ruled out but the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have not impressed.
If Slot’s side are to win the competition, they will need to ensure a much better showing on their own turf on what promises to be a hostile night under the lights on Merseyside.