‘I feel for them there, it’s a head injury, Mike Dean’s got a decision to make’
Joe Cole has suggested that Newcastle’s players need to ‘take responsibility’ for Liverpool’s opening goal, despite Isaac Hayden going down with what looked to be a head injury.
The Magpies took a surprise lead at Anfield, with Jonjo Shelvey scoring a wonderful goal against his former side.
However, the Reds were soon level when Diogo Jota slammed home from close range after seeing his initial header brilliantly saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka.
Liverpool’s equaliser was controversial though, with Hayden falling to the floor holding his head after clashing with team-mates who were defending a cross from the home side.
The Reds picked the ball up and, with the Newcastle midfielder still down injured, delivered a cross that was eventually converted by Jota.
Eddie Howe and Newcastle’s players appeared to be annoyed at both the home side’s decision to not kick the ball out of play and referee Mike Dean’s decision to allow the goal to stand.
Speaking to BT Sport, former Chelsea midfielder Cole stated that although he ‘feels’ for the Magpies, they should have played until the whistle was blown.
He said: “I feel for them there, it’s a head injury, Mike Dean’s got a decision to make.
“One thing that’s sacrilege as a footballer is playing ’till the whistle and Newcastle appeared to be disjointed, a couple of players are looking at the referee and they get punished.
“I felt for them at the point, but the players have to take responsibility and ownership at that point.”
Jermaine Jenas added: “It’s a head injury and usually the referee stops it straight away, but it was very quick and right on the edge of the box.
“I can understand Mike Dean’s decision, it was a tough call but it was probably the right one, he’s took a knock but you just don’t know how bad it is.”
After grabbing an equaliser, Liverpool continue to dominate the tie and took the lead through Mohamed Salah before the half-time break.
The home side made it 3-1 towards the end of the tie when Trent Alexander-Arnold bagged a long-distance strike to complete the comeback victory for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Related links:
- Four more Premier League matches postponed due to Covid
- Sergio Aguero’s cardiologist dismisses Covid theories in player’s decision to retire
- EFL clubs to implement ‘enhanced red protocols’ as Covid cases soar
