Julian Alvarez Scores First Man City Goal But Celebration Delayed By Long VAR Review

Julian Alvarez scored on his Manchester City debut by netting against Liverpool in Saturday's Community Shield. But he had to wait for VAR to award the goal.

Julian Alvarez scored on his first official appearance for Manchester City by netting against Liverpool in Saturday's Community Shield.

The 22-year-old signed for City in January but was loaned back to River Plate until July.

He made his debut 58 minutes into Saturday's season-opening game at Leicester's King Power Stadium.

It took him less than 12 minutes to put the ball in the net.

Alvarez was not able to celebrate his debut goal for another two minutes and 16 seconds though.

JULIAN ALVAREZ SCORES HIS FIRST GOAL FOR MAN CITY 💥

The goal was confirmed after VAR had a look. pic.twitter.com/TUUIoxr28j

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 30, 2022

Goal! #LIVMCI

Julian Alvarez scores a debut goal for Manchester City after just 12 minutes on the pitch. #LFC 1-1 #MCFC

🎥 @itvfootball pic.twitter.com/vHYXa5o1gE

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 30, 2022

That is how long it took the VAR to reverse the original decision to disallow Alvarez's goal due to an apparent offside against Phil Foden in the build-up.

Replays would prove that Foden was NOT ahead of Andy Robertson when Kevin De Bruyne clipped a pass towards him.

Foden first tried to score himself but Liverpool keeper Adrian blocked his shot.

Adrian could not hold the shot though and, as Foden attempted to get to the rebound, the keeper could only push the ball into the path of Alvarez who poked it home.

Alvarez's goal canceled out Trent Alexander-Arnold's first-half opener but a Mo Salah penalty and a late Darwin Nunez header saw Liverpool claim a 3-1 win.

No.19 Julian Alvarez pictured celebrating after his first goal for Manchester City was confirmed by a VAR review :: IMAGO/PA Images/Joe Giddens