Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Leicester City were fortunate to get away with one major incident in their win against Southampton.
The Foxes came back from two goals down to win 3-2 in a huge early-season relegation six-pointer win.
Steve Cooper’s side are 13th as a result and are finally building some form eight games into the season.
But whilst they can celebrate an all-important win, there is one moment where they can feel fortunate to have gotten away with it.
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Former Premier League referee says Southampton should’ve had a penalty in Leicester City defeat
Leicester’s equaliser came from the penalty spot as Jamie Vardy was denied a clear goalscoring opportunity by Ryan Fraser, who was subsequently sent off.
Vardy fired home from 12 years to continue his incredible run of form against Southampton but just moments before, the home side felt they should’ve been awarded a penalty.
Substitute Jordan Ayew, who scored a 98th-minute winner, was spotted pulling the shirt of Paul Onuachu in the box but despite a clear view, neither Anthony Taylor nor VAR decided to take a look at the incident.
But during a review of the incident on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, ex-top flight referee Gallagher admitted he would’ve pointed to the spot.
“I thought it was a penalty myself,” said Gallagher. “I think if you hold a player’s shirt for five steps, which here he does, that’s a penalty.
“I don’t think even if he went down (they would have given it) because of what they said, it didn’t impact his ability to get the ball, the goalkeeper got the ball. They’re of the opinion the goalkeeper would have got the ball anyhow. I am just of the opinion, if you hold the player’s shirt for more than five steps (it is a penalty).”
Steve Cooper makes ‘smart-arse’ claim after Leicester win
As the pressure behind to ramp up on Russell Martin, Cooper is now beginning to earn some plaudits after his tactical tweaks changed the course of the game.
Although there are still some criticisms, such as the decision not to start Abdul Fatawu despite comparisons to Bukayo Saka, the Welshman has always been confident in his side’s ability and never doubted that they would win.
Speaking after the weekend win, he said: “I don’t want to sound like a smart arse and say I thought we were still in the game at half-time but I genuinely did and I think the players did too.
“Hopefully, in a successful season, this day will be memorable for supporters.
“The corner at the end wasn’t a routine, it was instinctive, good decision-making, and we are grateful for it.”