Manchester United's top of the league showdown with Liverpool failed to live up to the hype.
Although both United and Liverpool had big chances to clinch a victory at Anfield, neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nor Jurgen Klopp can be too dissatisfied with a point apiece following a cagey affair.
But two former United players, turned pundits, highlighted a potentially controversial moment in the 0-0 draw on Merseyside, as referee Paul Tierney blew up for half-time before the one minute of added time had been completed.
Michael Owen and Paul Scholes analysed the game for Premier League Productions — where the former Liverpool striker was unhappy that Tierney's whistle went, with Sadio Mane appearing to be through on goal.
Scholes said: “The whistle goes as it’s time for half time.”
Owen replied: “Of course, that’s not necessarily what happened, is it? If there’s a chance brewing…”
But it was then indicated to United legend Scholes that the whistle had gone earlier than it should have done. He said: “Was it really? Well, that makes a difference then.”
Owen said: “Even if it had been on the dot, I still think [play should go on] if you are about to cross the ball into the box or about to play a through-ball."
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Scholes added: "If the time’s up, Michael, you have to blow the whistle. You can’t just always where this is going [to happen].”
Owen's final response was: “That’s another sport. Football’s not like that and never has been. If there’s a chance brewing, then the referee..."
Steve McManaman then interjected, noting that it only appeared as though Mane was through on goal because both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof had stopped playing after hearing the half-time whistle.
United are next in action on Wednesday night as they travel to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham. Second-placed Manchester City also play that night, against Aston Villa, before Liverpool host Burnley the following day.
