Jamie Carragher said Manchester City got lucky with a “major mix-up” between officials during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
With the scores level after Leon Bailey cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener, Philippe Coutinho was adjudged to be offside when in a dangerous attacking position.
The whistle was blown when the assistant referee raised his flag, causing City defenders to stop before Coutinho lashed in a bullet shot via the crossbar.
Premier League referees are instructed to let the play continue if an offside is called to see whether a goal is scored and thus whether in fact the object player was onside through VAR. READ MORE: Player ratings vs Aston Villa This year, officials are allowed to blow up if the decision is deemed obvious or if attackers are running down the wing or away from goal.