Referee Antony Taylor awarded Manchester City a controversial penalty against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge after Marc Cucurella's foul on Erling Haaland but Jamie Carragher was left unconvinced
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The reigning Premier League champions were awarded a spot-kick midway through the first-half after Erling Haaland was hauled down by Marc Cucurella. The decision left many inside Stamford Bridge baffled as it wasn't clear what the original decision was.
VAR looked at the incident - a potential foul by the Norwegian striker on the Chelsea man before he was taken down causing a potential debate. The original call was nevertheless signed off, leaving former Liverpool defender Carragher questioning the officiating team.
Speaking on Sky Sports about the decision, the former Liverpool defender said: "This is not right. I think that’s harsh for me, because it looks like half of one, half a dozen on the other between Haaland and Cucurella. Cucurella initially is tight and aggressive with Haaland but Haaland also grabs hold of him.
"This is not the right decision because VAR wasn't looking at the start of the tussle, he’s got hold of his shirt which allows him to get in front and then he goes down. It’s very harsh on Chelsea, VAR have only looked at the end of tussle. I think it’s harsh, I really do."
Carragher's latest assessment comes amid a difficult period for referees and VAR in the Premier League. The decision to allow Newcastle's winning goal against Arsenal last weekend triggered a furious rant from Gunners' boss Mikel Arteta.
Man City were awarded a penalty vs Chelsea that was scored by Erling Haaland
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After winning the penalty at Stamford Bridge, Haaland was the man to claim responsibilty. He slotted the ball past David Raya for his 12th Premier League goal of the season in as many games.
It was already the fifth time this season that the former Borussia Dortmund hitman had been successful from the spot after previous efforts against Fulham, Manchester United and during both of City's Champions League meetings with Young Boys.
While Carragher believed that City and Haaland were given a leg-up by the referee, Pep Guardiola's side quickly found themselves behind before the break. Thiago Silva hauled Chelsea level from a corner before former Man City star Raheem Sterling tapped home to give the hosts the lead.
Haaland almost equalised before the half-time interval but was denied by an excellent save from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. City were indeed level before the break as Manuel Akanji dispatched an brilliant header.