Dermot Gallagher reacts to Liverpool controversy v Ipswich
Liverpool felt that Ipswich should have had a man sent off in the 4-1 win on Saturday but Dermot Gallagher has disagreed.
The Reds would maintain their six-point lead in the Premier League title race on 25 January, but there was a controversial moment as the game flowed towards the final exchanges at Anfield.
Julio Enciso caught Wataru Endo with a reckless jumping challenge in the 81st minute but was only handed a booking by referee Michael Salisbury.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (27 January, 11:42 am), Gallagher said: “I think what saves him from a red card if you watch at the end he actually pulls his boot away.
“He knows he’s going to collide with him, it’s not a wise challenge but he does pull his boot away so he doesn’t go through with his studs, he doesn’t catch him in the chest with his studs.
“He’s going to catch him but because he hasn’t jumped with a massive force behind it, it’s not wise but I don’t think it is a red card.”
Liverpool roll on in their title quest
The hosts would not have been that concerned that the Tractor Boys were not reduced to ten men, given the fact that they were leading 4-0 at the time.
However, Enciso was lucky to remain on the pitch, and as Gallagher claims it was the last-minute decision that saved him from being handed his marching orders.
The Reds continued their charge towards the title with a comfortable victory against the relegation-threatened side.
Slot’s side are the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the league title in May but they need to stay focused and not think too far ahead.
There are still 16 matches to play, with two against local rivals Everton and games against Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham to come.
Attention will now turn to PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday (29 January) with a wider focus on the league clash with high-flying Bournemouth next Saturday (1 February).
In other Liverpool news, Slot could rest several stars including Ryan Gravenberch for the European clash with the Dutch side.
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