Liverpool recorded their eight consecutive win of the season against Leicester City today, though the reaction of players at the full-time whistle is likely to provide most of the headlines.
With the game in the bowels of stoppage time all square, Sadio Mane was adjudged to have been tripped by Marc Albrighton in the box and, once VAR reviewed the incident, James Milner stepped up to the spot and sent the home stadium into delirium.
But there was some unsavoury scenes on the pitch once the final whistle sounded. Leicester substitute Ayoze Perez and Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson both had to be physically restrained by teammates, and after a prolonged confrontation on the pitch the argument continued down into the tunnel.
Perez is NOT happy! 😡
Liverpool extended their Premier League winning run to 1⃣7⃣ matches with an eventful 2-1 win over Leicester today, including a last-minute penalty from James Milner! 🎯
Watch today's Premier League highlights for free here: https://t.co/N5Jhr9NWhc pic.twitter.com/eAOdmqb8Ja— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 5, 2019
Liverpool began the game as the stronger side with Mane getting on the end of a sublime Milner ball in the first half to score the game's opening goal. But, with ten minutes to go in the encounter, James Maddison levelled proceedings after latching on to a precise Perez pass.
Brendan Rodgers, returning to Anfield for the first time since he left the Merseyside club in 2015, naturally felt hard done by with the penalty decision. Speaking to beIN Sports after the game, he said:
I don't think there was a lot of contact. But of course the modern player - when they feel the contact they go down. If the penalty wasn't given I don't think there would have been too many complaints.
Once the referee gave it, it was probably hard for the VAR not to give it. I didn't think it was a clear and obvious penalty.
Today's result sees Liverpool go eight points clear at the top of the table while Leicester remain in third place, ten points behind the league leaders.
