Mane then opened the scoring for Liverpool
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane somehow escaped a red card just 15 seconds into the match against Chelsea after elbowing César Azpilicueta in the face.
The Senegalese attacker jumped to head the ball straight from kick-off, but he ended up elbowing the Chelsea defender as he jumped into the air.
Chelsea’s players and fans were calling for Mane to be sent-off, however, referee Anthony Taylor opted for a yellow card instead.
Mane made the most of the decision as he opened the scoring for the away side, capitalising on Trevoh Chalobah’s defensive mistake.
The young defender attempted to head a low cross, but actually ended up allowing Liverpool’s No 1o to round Edouard Mendy and smash the ball into the net.
However, many people have since taken to social media to question how the former Southampton man wasn’t sent-off for his early challenge.
One user on Twitter wrote: “Sadio Mane runs around committing assault, not getting sent off, then scoring”.
Sadio Mane runs around committing assault, not getting sent off, then scoring
— JB™️ (@gunnerpunner) January 2, 2022
A second added: “Just insane to imagine how wildly different this game should have been had Sadio Mane been (deservedly) sent off and Pulisic scored that sitter. Bad day at the Bridge is getting worse.”
Just insane to imagine how wildly different this game should have been had Sadio Mane been (deservedly) sent off and Pulisic scored that sitter. Bad day at the Bridge is getting worse.
— Gaylan Towle II (@MisterTowle2) January 2, 2022
A third said: “Sadio Mane very lucky. Should have been sent off for that.”
Sadio Mane very lucky. Should have been sent off for that.
— Pips 🏆 (@pops095) January 2, 2022
Another user stated: “Sadio Mane is such a dirty player man.. Should be sent off there.”
Sadio Mane is such a dirty player man.. Should be sent off there.#CHELIV
— Noel McG (@noelmickedy) January 2, 2022
Prior to scoring the opener against the Blues, Mane had gone nine games without a goal for Liverpool.
However, he showed his composure to round Mendy in the Chelsea goal and give the Reds the lead.
Liverpool made it 2-0 before the half-time break when Mohamed Salah calmly slotted past Mendy after a stunning pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Related links:
- Romelu Lukaku ‘texts former teammate’ with cryptic update on his Chelsea future
- Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta clash on touchline after Sadio Mane challenge
- Jamie Carragher says Sadio Mane could make Liverpool’s all time best XI
