By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 4, 2022

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard believes the officials were "too soon" in disallowing Philippe Coutinho's potential winner for offside in their home draw against Man City, while Jamie Carragher believes the decision was a "huge mistake".

Aston Villa thought they had scored a winner against the champions when substitute Coutinho fired home off the underside of the bar from distance in the 79th minute that would have put the home side 2-1 up.

However, the assistant referee had already put his flag up for offside with referee Simon Hooper blowing his whistle before the Brazilian's shot went in - even though replays showed Coutinho was actually onside.

Asked about the incident by Sky Sports, Gerrard said: "I saw a legitimate goal but obviously I am biased.

"The referee did the same at the other end with [Ezri] Konsa on the 'keeper, he was desperate on the whistle which went against us twice in the game."

The Villa boss later claimed in his post-match press conference that the officials have since recognised they called the offside decision too quickly.

"I've gone and spoke to the officials calmly after the game," he said. "I've given enough time and I've asked for their side of it.

"Listen, I always try and understand their side of it. But the referee has blown the whistle too soon.

"I know there's a slight rule change in terms of not waiting too long for these whistles and flags. I understand that rule change.

"But I think when something is so tight it's worth that little extra bit of time and we could have scored a second goal tonight, for sure.

"Obviously that moment and those decisions have gone against us but fair play to the officials. They've recognised that in the room afterwards."

Source Sky Sports

Posted September 4, 2022

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