Premier League holders Manchester City were done a huge disservice in Sunday's clash with Liverpool after what appeared to be a genuine penalty claim failed to go in their favor. The stance taken by match referee Michael Oliver immediately went against the Citizens who conceded their first goal of the game from the resulting counter-attacking move.
The desire to close down the six point gap between them and the Reds saw City attacking in full glare from the onset and Pep Guardiola's men were almost duly awarded in the fifth minute. A pass intended for Sergio Aguero apparently made contact with the outstretched arm of Trent-Alexander Arnold in his side's penalty area but all calls for a potential infringement were overruled.
With play continuing, a quick breakaway by Liverpool ended up being rewarding with Fabinho slamming home a long range effort for the game's opener. The prospect of the Brazilian's goal being thrown out was also not achieved after the referee failed to award the Citizen's a penalty for Trent-Alexander Arnold's handball.
WHAT A STRIKE FABINHO pic.twitter.com/y5bQxukx2W
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 10, 2019
At half-time, the Premier League released a statement about the handball incident defending referee Michael Oliver's decision: "The VAR checked the penalty appeal for handball against Trent Alexander-Arnold and confirmed the on-field decision that it did not meet the considerations for a deliberate handball," the
"The story could have certainly been different but did not stop Liverpool from adding another goal via Mohamed Salah 10 minutes later. Watch and be the judge:
VAR said no penalty - do you agree?
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 10, 2019
Watch live now on Sky Sports PL or follow here: https://t.co/tIbipDtyYB pic.twitter.com/JaeozYHVQd