Trent Alexander-Arnold's “kiss” celebration is reminiscent of Steven Gerrard – but the VAR does not recognise the goal

Trent Alexander-Arnold's early goal may have been disallowed at half-time, but footage of his 'kiss' celebration for Steven Gerrard will live forever.

Alexander-Arnold is hailed as Liverpool FC's greatest talent since Gerrard and in the sixth minute against the club's arch-rivals at Old Trafford he repeated his famous celebration.

Just as Gerrard did in 2009 and 2014, Alexander-Arnold ran to a pitchside television camera and kissed the lens after firing the ball into the net.

“We saw that kiss from Steven Gerrard all those years ago and I'm sure we'll see it again in the years to come,” said former Liverpool defender and Telegraph columnist Jamie Carragher as a pundit on Sky Sports.

For 78 seconds, Alexander-Arnold thought he had scored a famous goal in the Stretford End and his celebration was even more memorable – but the video referee disallowed the goal.

The video assistant referee found Mohamed Salah offside when he touched Luis Diaz's cross, preventing Liverpool from scoring their first goal.

“There are few greater highlights in a Liverpool player's life than a goal in the Stretford End at Old Trafford and he is being prevented from enjoying that highlight,” said Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury. Carragher added: “That's what VAR can do.”

Gerrard developed his 'kiss' celebration after penalties at Old Trafford. He first did it 15 years ago when he scored in a 4-1 win, then repeated the celebration in the 2014 victory when he converted his second penalty of the game.

“It just happened, off the cuff,” Gerrard told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Obviously the game is always on TV. All I remember is that I slipped on my knees and got a little carried away.”

“It's become a bit of a provocation to the Mancunians because they've obviously caused me so much trouble over the years, it's just about provoking them a bit.”

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.