Man City thrown a lifeline by referee Martin Atkinson as Naby Keita was screwed vs Leicester

Liverpool drop points after Man City

In an incredible midweek round of Premier League action, both Liverpool and Man City dropped points.

On Tuesday night Man City lost 2-1 at Newcastle United.

Liverpool could have opened up a seven point lead over City had the Reds beaten Leicester on Wednesday at Anfield.

However the Foxes managed to secure a 1-1 draw as Jurgen Klopp’s men dropped two points.

Liverpool have a five point lead over Man City after 23 rounds of the season.

Referee Martin Atkinson screwed Naby Keita vs Leicester

Liverpool were denied a clear penalty against Leicester.

With the scores level at 1-1 early in the second half, Naby Keita engineered a fine move into the Leicester box.

Keita played a one-two with Roberto Firmino to break into the visitors’ box.

Naby Keita’s one-two with Roberto Firmino vs Leicester (1)

Naby Keita’s one-two with Roberto Firmino vs Leicester (2)

One Keita received the ball back in the Foxes area, the midfielder had a clear sight on Leicester’s goal.

Keita was goal-side of Leicester’s right-back Ricardo Pereira.

Naby Keita’s one-two with Roberto Firmino vs Leicester (3)

However, before Keita to fire off his shot, Ricardo Pereira tripped him up.

TV replays showed that Pereira stood on Keita’s foot at the key moment.

Despite the fact that referee Martin Atkinson was stood in a perfect position to see the infringement, the ref waved played on.

Ricardo Pereira fouls Naby Keita (1)

Ricardo Pereira fouls Naby Keita (2)

Ricardo Pereira fouls Naby Keita (3)

Man City thrown a lifeline

Had Liverpool been awarded the spot-kick, the Reds would likely have beaten Leicester.

However, Martin Atkinson’s call meant that Man City’s title hopes remain firmly alive.

Social media reaction to the incident is below.

Can't help feel the press agenda about how Liverpool have been getting lucky decisions go our way (we haven't) might have contributed last night. Atkinson thinking he's a big man by not giving that pen when it's right in front of him. I've woke up annoyed.

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) January 31, 2019

You have to feel for Keita. He had the chance to get a winning goal and a much needed boost in confidence after one of his typical runs but was denied by a foul that Atkinson refused to see. #LFC

— Mario Aquilina (@mario_aquilina) January 31, 2019

Liverpool poor tonight. But Martin Atkinson was a disgrace. Keita clearly fouled in the box, Salah elbowed in chin in the box, and McGuire should have been sent off. Played 30 seconds over the 1 min added in 1st half despite no subs, injuries or stoppages.

— Paul Tomkins (@paul_tomkins) January 30, 2019

Also see: Liverpool fans furious Leicester’s Harry Maguire wasn’t sent off.

Liverpool fans furious with Jesse Lingard after Burnley.

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