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Gary Neville accuses Nicolas Jackson of lying as Liverpool denied penalty against Chelsea
Gary Neville wasn't buying Nicolas Jackson's plea of innocence after Liverpool were denied a penalty against Chelsea.
Chelsea V Liverpool: Pictures
Gary Neville wasn't buying Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson's plea of innocence as the Blues avoided conceding a penalty against Liverpool on Sunday. Liverpool were convinced Jackson's handball should've resulted in a spot-kick before VAR denied them during their closely fought Premier League opener.
Chelsea and Liverpool entertained as they kick-started their new campaigns at Stamford Bridge.
Luis Diaz fired the Reds ahead after 18 minutes, latching onto a pinpoint Mohamed Salah pass, which reminded everyone of the world-class quality Jurgen Klopp possesses in his squad.
But Chelsea debutant Axel Disasi levelled the score before half-time on his debut, leaving the second period finely poised.
After the break, Liverpool turned the screw and applied early pressure on the hosts, sparking an opportunity from a corner in front of the travelling fans.
Diaz met the delivery at the near post before the ball cannoned off Jackson's hand - positioned unnaturally high but close to his chest - and narrowly past the post.
Liverpool players protested for a penalty, but Anthony Taylor waved their cries off, and VAR agreed, opting against awarding a spot-kick after a brief check.
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Jackson attempted to convince the referee that it didn't hit his hand, despite replays clearly showing that it did.
But Neville - on the commentary desk next to the debuting Peter Drury and Jamie Carragher - wasn't having any of it, jokingly calling the 22-year-old a "liar."
Jackson had a debut to forget before, arguably, fortunately avoiding conceding a penalty, missing two big chances to mark his arrival with a goal in the first half.
Mauricio Pochettino will have liked what he saw from his side, though, after battling back from a nervy start. Against Liverpool, many clubs tend to fold in that situation.
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Chelsea have a favourable run of fixtures ahead, during which Pochettino will hope to gain some momentum in the early stages of his tenure.
The Blues travel to West Ham United for a London derby next Sunday before hosting newly-promoted Luton Town at Stamford Bridge.
A Carabao Cup second-round clash against AFC Wimbledon follows before Nottingham Forest visit west London to go into the first international break of the season.
Liverpool's upcoming run presents more of a challenge, facing games against AFC Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa before the international break.
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