Jurgen Klopp’s quest for silverware with Liverpool suffered yet another blow as the Reds were dumped out of the FA Cup fourth round by West Brom.
The game at Anfield, which ended in a 3-2 win for the visitors, would be dominated by the use of VAR, with three pivotal decisions decided by the video assistant referee.
Roberto Firmino opened the scoring within just five minutes, via a deft chip after Ben Foster had saved from Mohamed Salah.
However, soon after, man of the match Jay Rodiguez leveled the scores for the visitors via a thumping strike.
On just 11 minutes, the Baggies found themselves ahead, with Rodriguez netting his second of the game from close-range.
Alan Pardew’s side then looked to have made it 3-1, with Craig Dawson heading home. However, the goal was eventually chalked off after a VAR review rightly deemed Gareth Barry to be offside and interfering with play.
Ref Craig Pawson and the VAR system would be the stars of the show for the rest of the half, with another review awarding a penalty to Liverpool after Salah had been fouled in the box.
However, Firmino would see his spot-kick come back off the crossbar.
Just before the end of what had been a frustratingly stop-start half, West Brom did go 3-1 up, with the unlucky Joel Matip putting through his own net from close-range.
Once again, the goal went to a review, after a suspicion of offside, but it would ultimately (and correctly) stand.
The second period was a VAR-free zone, with Chris Brunt managing this outrageous one-two while lying on the pitch.
The Reds pushed for a goal and eventually got one back on 78 minutes, courtesy of the in-form Salah.
However, West Brom would hold on to secure a fantastic Anfield victory and march into the fifth round.
Klopp and co, on the other hand, will have to continue their search for silverware elsewhere this season.
The real star of the show was the VAR system, which despite the prolonged delays, got everything spot on.
A bit of patience will no doubt be required as the officials get to grips with the new-fangled system and (hopefully) start to quicken up the process.