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Wayne Rooney reckons Manchester City should have been awarded a penalty in their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
Wayne Rooney has argued that Manchester City were denied a clear penalty during their Premier League loss to Newcastle United. Ruben Dias' second-half equaliser wasn't enough for City at St James' Park - as a Harvey Barnes brace dealt Pep Guardiola's side their first defeat in five games.
The outcome brought welcome relief for Howe as his side increased their distance from the relegation zone. For Guardiola, it represented a significant blow to City's ambitions of overtaking Arsenal at the top of the league. The majority of the drama at St James' Park unfolded after the interval.
However, the visiting City supporters reckoned they were owed a penalty before half-time when Fabian Schar challenged Phil Foden inside the area.
Despite his historic rivalry with City fans, Rooney shares their opinion. He said on Match of the Day: "I think it is [a penalty]. I think it's good play from Manchester City. [Jeremy] Doku getting in the pocket, plays a lovely ball to Phil Foden.
"And from there you think he's maybe just snatched at it, but from this angle you see he's stretching for the ball, the defender comes across, clearly doesn't take the ball, and hits Phil Foden on top of his foot. So I think that's a penalty."
MOTD host Mark Chapman attempted to clarify the rule the referee was following as he stated: "Where there is contact following an attacker either passing the ball or taking a shot at goal, where the contact is inevitable or a consequence of momentum, play should typically be allowed to continue.
"Where the contact is either reckless or serious foul play, then a penalty kick should be awarded."
Rooney replied: "Yeah it's reckless. If you look at the moment of impact, the defender's leg is straight and it's studs [up]. So it's a straight leg and studs on Phil Foden's foot. I think it's a clear penalty."
The decision didn't swing in City's favour, though, and Newcastle ultimately pocketed three points. If Arsenal beat Tottenham on Sunday, the Blues could be seven points adrift.
According to Sky Sports, Guardiola walked into the referee's room after the game. But when the City manager was quizzed on this, he said "everything is fine" and "it is what it is."
Regarding his team's performance at St James' Park, Guardiola told the media post-match: "We gave everything. We wanted to make a step like we have done in the last two months, but this is not an easy place to come after the international break.
"There is a long, long, long way to go. It was a tight game, chances for both sides. Gigio was extraordinary. We missed chances and second half we concede a goal. There were more chances for both sides, but we could not take the result."
Guardiola's side host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League next. City are undefeated in Europe so far this season, having won all their games, bar a 2-2 draw against AS Monaco.
Their next Premier League game is a home fixture against newly-promoted Leeds United. City have won the last two home games against Leeds - 9-1 on aggregate.
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