Christian Benteke scores first Liverpool goal - but it shouldn't have stood as new rules for this season put Philippe Coutinho offside

Even though he didn't touch it Coutinho made a movement towards the ball

Tom Sheen
Tuesday 18 August 2015 10:01 BST
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(Getty Images)

Christian Benteke prodded the ball home for his first Liverpool goal since making his £32.5million move to the Reds - but it shouldn't have stood.

When the ball was whipped in from the left by Jordan Henderson, team-mate Philippe Coutinho was clearly offside; even though he didn't get a touch on the ball, under new rules brought in just ahead of the season, Coutinho was interfering.

The guidelines, which are also be implemented in the Football League, state: "A player in an offside position shall be penalised if he: Makes an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball."

Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc was unable to fully commit to meeting the cross in case Coutinho got a foot on it - he didn't but Benteke was at the back post to finish.

Bournemouth will fell especially hard done by after centre-back Tommy Elphick earlier had a header ruled out when he was jostling with Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren from a corner.

Elphick headed home but Craig Pawson ruled out the goal even though it appeared fair.

Liverpool went on to win the game 1-0 with Benteke also missing a good chance to make it 2-0 when he hit the bar late on.

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