Ex-refs chief lambasts Michael Oliver for missing 'nailed-on' penalty in Man City vs Liverpool

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And it could have been even worse for Liverpool, had referee Michael Oliver not missed a blatant penalty incident in the first half.Man City’s form has taken a serious step up in recent weeks, with Saturday’s superb result following their 2-0 win over Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup before the international break. ⚽ Man City Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, tactical previews and expert breakdowns for every Manchester City fixture. VISIT THE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Keith Hackett slams Michael Oliver decisionEx-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has criticised Michael Oliver on previous occasions, with the referee often involved in controversy.While it was ultimately a moment that did not weigh heavily on the score line, the former FIFA official was critical of the referee’s decision-making again on Saturday.

Man CityMatch statsLiverpool50%Possession50%11Shots117Shots on target52.50Expected goals (xG)1.434Corners2Just 17 minutes into the game, Man City came forward and broke into the penalty area with Haaland. The Hungarian went for the ball but got the man instead, taking the Man City player down for what looked to be a blatant penalty.

Oliver was unmoved, and so was VAR, ignoring the incident to the shock and outrage of the Etihad Stadium and Pep Guardiola.Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said: “That is a nailed-on penalty kick and amazing that it is not given.“Michael Oliver, a potential World Cup official in the summer, really should have pointed to the penalty mark. Had Man City not gone on to win the game, Oliver may well have been facing serious questions.