Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes that Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was rightfully sent off against Arsenal.
The 24-year-old was given two bookings during the Emirates Stadium loss, which kept Jurgen Klopp’s team from taking the lead in the standings. On minute fifty-five, Konate was cautioned for the first time after he forced Kai Havertz to the ground when he was trying to get away.
With two minutes of regular time remaining, Konate blocked off the German striker and was given the order to march, a decision that Klopp appeared dissatisfied with from the sidelines. Speaking about the events on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher thought the correct choice was made, but Havertz did not paint himself in a favourable light.
Does he have any grievances? “I would say no,” said Gallagher. “In the first, he subdues him to the ground; had [Virgil] Van Dijk not returned, had he denied him a chance to score a goal? Definitely a red card.
“For the second one, Havertz doesn’t do himself any favours [clutching his head] but he deliberately blocks him off.” When former Premier League player Jay Bothroyd reviewed the situation in the studio, he wasn’t satisfied by Konate’s initial yellow card.
Bothroyd said, “The players are coming together.” He has somewhat tugged him, but I’m not sure if it is a yellow. Definitely the second one.”
Regardless of Anthony Taylor’s choices, the Reds ultimately had a poor day at work. Within fifteen minutes, Bukayo Saka gave Arsenal the lead when he tapped in an open goal after Havertz had parried a shot.
Gabriel’s hilarious own goal had levelled the score for Liverpool before halftime. But when Gabriel Martinelli was given an easy chance by Van Dijk and Alisson, the home team snatched the lead again.
In stoppage time of the second half, Leandro Trossard scored the final point by shooting beneath Alisson from close range. With two games remaining, Manchester City trails Liverpool by five points in the standings, while Liverpool leads the Gunners by two points as a result of the outcome.
