Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Sat 9 May 2026 13:56, UK

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Marc Cucurella was left disappointed when Chelsea‘s opening goal of the second half was ruled out against Liverpool.

Ryan Gravenberch and Enzo Fernandez had exchanged very different efforts in the opening 45 minutes at Anfield on Saturday, 9 May, with the pressure building on Arne Slot and his side.

The Blues appeared to have taken the lead for the first time in the 49th minute, with Cucurella breaking behind the defence before causing chaos inside the box with a cross.

Chelsea would have been 2-1 up against Liverpool after Cole Palmer slotted the ball away, only for the Blues’ left-back to be deemed offside in the build-up, and that has now been confirmed.

Marc Cucurella caught offside as Chelsea goal ruled out at Anfield

Both sets of supporters were waiting anxiously for the outcome, and it was the set of Liverpool fans who were able to breathe a sigh of relief as Craig Pawson’s hand went up for offside following a VAR check.

Taking to X (9 May), the Premier League Match Centre wrote: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Cucurella was in an offside position in the build-up and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

While the Reds were relieved, it was a disappointing moment for the visitors, and especially Palmer, who had failed to hit the back of the net since Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa at the start of March.

It appeared to be a turning point for Slot’s men, who took back control in the game from that point. Had Cucurella been onside, it might have been a very different story at Anfield.

Enzo Fernandez takes over from Cole Palmer as Chelsea superstar

It has been a difficult season for Palmer, who really hasn’t looked like himself, possibly due to his injury problems throughout the campaign.

In his absence, Enzo Fernandez has stepped up significantly, even if his goal from the free-kick was fortunate. He caused Liverpool multiple problems.

Of course, Fernandez is heavily linked with Real Madrid and was suspended for speaking about a potential move in the future, but he remains one of the Blues’ most important players.

Palmer will desperately want to prove himself in the remaining games of the season, with a seat on the England plane at stake ahead of the 2026 World Cup.