Alan Shearer lauded the ‘really exceptional’ Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday at Anfield.
The Premier League legend also seemed unhappy at Phil Foden’s disallowed goal before Mo Salah’s opening strike, which was for a foul on Fabinho by Erling Haaland in the build-up.
As expected, it was a feisty, quick-tempered and aggressive affair on Merseyside, with the Reds knowing defeat would derail their season even further.
Throughout the match, the on-field referee, Anthony Taylor, allowed a number of physical challenges to go, including for Foden’s goal, which was played on, until VAR intervened.
That’s when Taylor looked at his monitor on the side screen and decided to overturn Foden’s goal to the anger of Pep Guardiola in the dugout, as well as the players and Man City fans.
Whilst Shearer understood that it was a foul, given everything else that happened beforehand and how certain challenges were allowed to go, he suggested that the goal should have stood, as he reacted to yesterday’s game, whilst speaking to Premier League Productions (16/10/22 at 7:10 pm)
“It was a cracking game,” said Shearer. “Two teams going toe-to-toe. Two really exceptional managers and then the crowd at Anfield, who made it even more special.
“It could have gone either way. Man City did have chances. Not many times we have said it this season. But Haaland maybe should have had one or two, before Liverpool got their goal. It was a great game, especially that second half.
“The referee let so much go, which I thought was a good thing. They are two great sides going into battle and you should be allowed to tackle. You are going to get one or two tackles that go in, but the referee let so much go.
“Right up until he was told ‘no, you might have to go and look at your screen here’. Was it enough to give the foul? Possibly just. But I thought there were so many other fouls that he could have given, but he didn’t during that game as well.”
LIVERPOOL ANSWER THEIR CRITICS
There is still a lot of work to do for Liverpool, but that was a statement win from the team given that they could have been around 15+ points behind those at the top.
But, with games now coming thick and fast during these next few weeks, the table can now turn on its head.
The Reds are 14 points behind current leaders Arsenal and their next two league games are West Ham and then Nottingham Forest.
Now, given the recent wins and boost Klopp’s side now have, they should see through those wins and climb the table.
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