Shock Michael Oliver decision made for Southampton vs Liverpool despite Howard Webb admission

The Premier League have given a clear response to a number of errors made by Michael Oliver in recent weeks following an honest Howard Webb admission. With the November international break nearing its conclusion, build up towards this weekend's Premier League action is starting to commence.

For league leaders Liverpool, a clash against bottom of the table Southampton awaits this Sunday with Arne Slot's side hoping to make it 13 wins out of a possible 14 in all competitions. The Reds are huge favourites to take all three points.

As always, big decisions on the day could be pivotal in deciding the outcome with the match officials for the game now being confirmed. Sam Barrt will referee the clash and be supported by Lee Betts and Wade Smith as linesman with Darren England as fourth official. Oliver meanwhile, will be on VAR and be supported by Mat Wilkes.

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Oliver has been involved in some major controversies as of late including the penalty decision that led to West Ham's win over Manchester United. At Stockley Park for that clash, Oliver recommended an on-field review late into the fixture with David Coote changing his initial decision and Jarrod Bowen scoring the resulting spot-kick.

In the wake of that major call, Webb, as chief of the PGMOL, issued an honest verdict revealing he believed the incorrect outcome was reached. "I thought it was a misread by the VAR," Webb said on Sky Sports' Mic'd Up. "A VAR that is normally really talented and reliable but gets uber-focused, in this situation, on De Ligt's leg.

"His leg coming through onto Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball is already past De Ligt as he makes contact with Danny Ings - and the VAR sees that as a clear foul. I think he was too focused on that aspect. I don't think he should have got involved.

"I think this is a situation where we would leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it is called. On balance, I don't think it is a penalty kick." Given Webb's frank admission, it is certainly a surprise to see Oliver back on VAR so soon after that incident.

He is also on double duty this weekend and will be fourth official for the clash between Fulham and Wolves at Craven Cottage on the Saturday.