Aston Villa have every right to be annoyed following their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.
The two sides went into the match in a contrasting run of form, with Arne Slot’s side flying high, not just in the Premier League, but also in the Champions League.
Whilst Villa are in a bad run of form, losing to Club Brugge in midweek in bizarre fashion and conceding four to Tottenham last time out in the Premier League.
Yet, that wasn’t showing during the game, with Darwin Nunez opening the scoring following a swift counter-attack and Caoimhin Kelleher denying Aston Villa on several occasions.
Even at the start of the second half, Morgan Rogers had a guilt-edge chance to score, but once again, Unai Emery watched his players spurn their chance.
For large parts of the match, the game remained 1-0, before a key moment ensured that the game was heading in Liverpool’s direction.
Gary Lineker slams ‘bonkers’ rule after Pau Torres denied penalty against Liverpool
Conor Bradley had come on in the first half for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and the youngster was involved in a moment of controversy.
During a set-piece situation, Bradley tugged on Pau Torres’ shirt and brought him down as he ran in front of him to head the ball.
Villa were denied a clear penalty, but the on-field referee David Coote and VAR waved away the protests to Gary Lineker’s amusement.
It’s suggested that one of the reasons a penalty wasn’t awarded was because there ‘wasn’t sustained pulling’ of the shirt from Bradley on Torres.
But Lineker spit the truth and made it clear that the rule is complete and utter ‘bonkers’, as he told Match of the Day.
“It’s funny where we are in the laws now where we have a law that says ‘it’s not sustained pulling’,” said Lineker. “It’s bonkers, isn’t it?!”
Why Virgil van Dijk wasn’t impressed with Torres
The officiating during the match annoyed and frustrated many, with Torres involved in another moment of comedy during the game.
Whilst the Spain international deserved a penalty, he also went to ground pretty easily following a challenge from Ryan Gravenberch.
The Villa man stayed on the floor, with Virgil van Dijk unimpressed by his actions and telling him ‘you’re 6’4 mate’, as posted by TNT Sports.
