“Hard to believe this happened in this game” – Joe Cole reveals who to blame for huge Chelsea defeat to Liverpool
Pundit Joe Cole has claimed that he believes referee Paul Tierney made one huge error in tonight’s Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool.
He told BT Sport that he is convinced the visitors should have had a penalty early on last night at Anfield, before going on to lose heavily.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side were well beaten in the end, losing 4-1 to an inspired Reds side.
Christopher Nkunku’s goal off the bench was one of the few moments of joy for a Chelsea side who will now be no more confident about their chances in the EFL Cup final this month.
Supporters will have been left asking questions of tonight’s officials though, after they saw their side not awarded a penalty in either half.
The Frenchman was taken down in the box moments after he scored by Virgil Van Dijk, however a lengthy check did not see them awarded a spot kick.
Joe Cole on referee
The same occurred just minutes after the start of the game, when Conor Gallagher was taken down in the area by the same player.
Again, a penalty was not given, much to the amazement of Cole, who was working on the game.
He said: “Absolutely. Sterling just ghosted into the box, Gallagher takes a lovely touch. Van Dijk squares himself off, and I think he just leans himself in there. I think that’s a penalty. I think first ten minutes, in front of the Kop, I don’t think the referee’s been too brave.”
While the result cannot be blamed on incompetence by officials, it is fair to say the away side were not helped out in any way tonight.