Jamie Redknapp and Jack Wilshere shared opposing views when discussing Aaron Cresswell's potential red card challenge on Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
West Ham United defender Cresswell challenged Henderson for the ball in the eighth minute of the match at the London Stadium, flying in recklessly and catching the midfielder with his studs up just below the knee.
Referee Craig Pawson opted against awarding a free kick for the tackle, although VAR performed a check for serious foul play.
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Much to the surprise of many Liverpool players, as well as Jurgen Klopp, Cresswell escaped any form of punishment and the Reds were not given a foul after the footage was reviewed.
Sharing his view on the incident at half-time, former Liverpool midfielder Redknapp claimed the calm reaction of Henderson may well have prevented Cresswell from being dismissed.
"Eight minutes into the game, I hate seeing players get sent off. But that is a reckless challenge: his foot is high and it's aggressive," he told Sky Sports.
"I've seen players get sent off for much less than that. What does help him is that Jordan Henderson got up quickly and that has done him a right favour."
On whether or not he felt it was a red card offence, Redknapp added: "Yeah, definitely.
"If that had been given as a red, I don't think there could have been any complaints whatsoever. Sometimes it just helps if you have someone who gets up quickly, instead of rolling around and staying down. I think he was very lucky there, Cresswell."
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Ex-Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Wilshere was less convinced as he provided his take on the situation.
"Not for me," stated the 29-year-old.
"If you slow it down, like they always do, it's always going to look worse. It's a tough tackle and it's the first 10 minutes of the game. Cresswell is a tough player and he wants to let them know that they're in for a game."
Liverpool went on to lose the game 3-2, ending their 25-match unbeaten run in all competitions, which equalled a club record.
