Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Leicester vs Liverpool: Shinji Okazaki goal should not have counted - Steven Gerrard
SHINJI OKAZAKI’s first-half goal for Leicester against Liverpool tonight should not have counted, according to former Reds captain Steven Gerrard.
Leicester vs Liverpool: Shinji Okazaki's goal should not have counted, says Gerrard
Okazaki brought Leicester back into the game right on the stroke of half time.
Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho had given Liverpool a 2-0 lead before the Japan international struck.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet came out to claim a corner but failed to do so, with Okazaki heading home.
But replays showed the forward had hold of Mignlet, which angered Gerrard.
I think you’ve got to feel for Simon Mignolet, he will probably get a bit of criticism like he always does
“This one for me is a foul all day on the keeper,” the Liverpool legend said on BT Sport.
“I think you’ve got to feel for Simon, he will probably get a bit of criticism like he always does.
“Here, it’s a 100 per cent foul. Okazaki is pulling his arm and stopping him getting a clear jump on it because he would have punched it away.”
Gerrard’s colleague and former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admitted Okazaki had got away with one but praised the Leicester star's role in the goal.
Mick Quinn: Negligence and arrogance has hurt Liverpool
Leicester vs Liverpool: Steven Gerrard says Simon Mignolet was fouled before Shinji Okazaki's goal
“But that’s the job of a centre-forward,” he said in response to Gerrard.
“Normally you put your small centre-forward on the goalkeeper to obstruct him and he’s done that really well.
“He’s kidded the linesman, the referee and he’s got his rewards for it.
“You’d probably get one a season where you get away with it and today that’s what he got away with.”
Liverpool went on to win the game 3-2, with Mignolet saving a crucial penalty from Jamie Vardy.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?