‘Lucky boy’: Carragher reacts to controversy involving Chelsea & Newcastle duo today

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Jamie Carragher has claimed that Trevoh Chalobah was a ‘lucky boy’ to not concede a penalty during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, as he told Sky Sports Premier League.

Early in the second half, Carragher felt that Chalobah fouled Murphy in the penalty area, with the on-field referee, David Coote, not seeing a foul through his eyes and VAR deciding against the call also.

As Murphy decided to whizz past the Chelsea defender, he was seen constantly pulling on the Newcastle winger’s shirt.

Then Chalobah went in for the challenge and he didn’t make much contact with the ball, but with the player instead.

Watching on from the commentary box, Carragher’s initial thoughts were that it was a spot-kick and that was backed up when he saw the replay.

All in all, Kai Havertz’s late winner made matters worse, nonetheless, this is what Carragher made of that controversial call.

“Well, he was having a nibble when he went inside the box,” said Carragher. “Whether or not it was enough for a penalty. It’s always difficult for the referee to see that and see through Chalobah.

“He has got hold of his shirt, number one. Ooooh. I think he will be lucky to get away with that. He certainly got a good chunk of his shirt.

After VAR didn’t give the pen: “He doesn’t get any of the ball. Mmmmm. I think he is a lucky boy.

“All of this how much evidence there is, it’s whether it’s a penalty or not. That was a penalty.”

It was a cagey game at Stamford Bridge, with the match coming in the backdrop of Chelsea’s now removed owner, Roman Abramovich, being sanctioned by the UK Government.

In truth, judging by Newcastle’s performance, they deserved more from the game, but they were just outdone by a quite outstanding touch and finish by Havertz.

It also needs to be remembered that this is Newcastle’s first defeat since December – their last coming against Manchester City.

Both teams are sitting in the top three and they are flying in the Champions League, so this Eddie Howe side have come a long way since those days under Steve Bruce.