Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer has suggested that Liverpool should not have been awarded a penalty during their victory over West Ham United on Saturday.
Arthur Masuaku was adjudged to have brought down Mohamed Salah inside the area shortly before half-time, with the Egyptian forward duly converting from the spot to level proceedings before Diogo Jota's 85th-minute winner.
Pablo Fornals had opened the scoring for West Ham after ten minutes, beating goalkeeper Alisson at his near post.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer bemoaned referee Kevin Friend's decision to award a spot-kick, arguing that Salah went to ground too easily following contact with Masuaku.
“West Ham were really comfortable and I thought it was really harsh on them to be honest," he said.
"I know he makes contact but that contact clearly doesn’t cause him to fall because he then plants his foot, Salah, and falls to the floor.
“It’s not supposed to be if you make contact, whether it’s a foul or not, and I don’t think that was enough to be a penalty.”
The Reds climbed to the summit of the Premier League table following the result, with surprise package Everton able to return to top spot on Sunday with victory at Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, West Ham currently sit in 13th place, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Manager David Moyes praised his side's efforts after the final whistle, believing they were unlucky not to gain a result.
"It's a good sign that we're disappointed not to take anything from Anfield," he said.
"We had really good opportunities to maybe get a second goal. I wanted it to be more than just the odd counter-attack. We were a threat, we were well organised and disciplined in the jobs we had to do."
They will be looking to take all three points in their next fixture as they make the short trip across the capital to Craven Cottage, with basement boys Fulham set to welcome the Hammers next Saturday.
