Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah was 'lucky' to escape punishment for his contentious foul in his own box during the second half of the Blues' 1-0 victory over Newcastle.
Chalobah, 22, was somewhat fortuitous to escape punishment for a challenge on Jacob Murphy during their tight and fortuitous win over Eddie Howe's much improved side.
Chalobah overall has a solid game, as reflected in football.london's player rating of '7', but one moment in the second half could have drastically changed that.
His rating read: 'With Reece James injured and Cesar Azpilicueta ill, Chalobah was drafted onto the right of the back four. Defensively and in possession, the academy graduate was solid.
'Understandably, he didn't offer a great deal in the attacking third. Did well to keep Allan Saint-Maximin quiet after the Newcastle star's introduction. 7'
Something that wasn't picked up in his rating was what he did in the 56th minute of proceedings that nearly proved costly to the home side.
After nibbling twice at the feet of Jacob Murphy in his own box, the Newcastle attacker went down under the challenge with many expecting the referee to point to the spot, including Carragher.
He said in his immediate reaction during the Sky Sports commentary: "Well, he was having a nibble when he was inside the box.
"Whether it was enough for a penalty, it's always difficult for the referee to see that.
"Chalobah, he's got hold of his shirt and I think he will be lucky to get away with that. He's certainly got a good chunk of his shirt and none of the ball."
This message was reflected by Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp, who felt bad for Howe's side on this occasion with both siding with Carragher in this debate
Richards kicked off: "This is crystal clear. Newcastle fans can definitely agree with this situation. Chalobah gets on the wrong side and he gets him twice, grabs him and then tries to make the tackle. I do think this one is a clear and obvious error because it puts him off balance."
"It is absolutely diabolical from the referee because you have the luxury of VAR," Redknapp then followed up. "Chalobah is one, going in with his wrong foot and it is a blatant penalty. If you can not see that and you have VAR at your disposal, David Coote needs to make better decisions."
It was a decision that haunted the visitors as another player who may have gotten away with one in the first half Kai Havertz won the game late on for the club whose future off the pitch is still up in the air.
