Former Premier League stars, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and Everton star, James Tarkowski, have given their verdicts on the penalty that led to Manchester City’s first goal in their Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Marc Cucurella was adjudged to have fouled Erling Haaland and a penalty was given after a lengthy VAR check.
Haaland stepped forward to beat Sanchez from the spot to put Manchester City ahead at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking at half-time of the very entertaining match, Owen, Phillips and Tarkowski, who were on punditry duties for Premier League Productions, agreed that the referee’s decision was harsh.
“I think Haaland dragged Cucurella along with him. That’s a harsh penalty. It’s not a penalty for me,” Owen, a former Liverpool and Manchester United forward said.
Tarkowski added, “I think I would agree with that. I think it gonna be a hard done by. The initial contact is Haaland pulling Cucurella to get the advantage to go ahead of him and Cucurella was trying to get back by pulling him but gets a penalty instead so, harsh done by I think.”
“I have to agree with the guys. I think it’s harsh,” Wright-Philips said.
“Something like this happens once or twice game in the Premier League so if you start giving penalties, it would happen too often.”
