Steve Cooper will be carrying the frustration of Leicester City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace with him into the new week as the search for a first Premier League win of the season continues.
A point away at Crystal Palace is not a bad result on the face of it, but the fact Leicester City were 2-0 up and conceded the equaliser from a penalty in the 92nd-minute makes it a bitter pill for Steve Cooper to swallow.
Goals from Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi saw Leicester firmly in the driving seat, but Jean-Philippe Mateta halved the deficit just a minute after Mavididi’s 46th-minute goal.
The Palace striker’s goal was a controversial one as it was initially ruled out for offside before being overturned following a lengthy VAR review.
Dermot Gallagher gives verdict on Crystal Palace goal against Leicester City
Mateta was the danger man going into the game, with Cooper undoubtedly wary of the French forward who has been bang in form since the arrival of Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.
This proved the case, as Mateta’s brace meant Leicester had to settle for a draw.
His first strike was an incredibly tight call, with Gary Lineker just one figure who was left frustrated by the incident.
However, former referee Dermot Gallagher has provided a conclusive view on the controversy on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch segment.
Speaking on the incident, Gallagher said: “VAR felt he was just kept onside. The only authority we’ve got is the technology until semi-automated comes.
“The line says he’s just onside, that’s all we can go on. Every team plays to the same technology, if it says onside it’s onside if it says off it’s off. In their view it’s factual.”
Steve Cooper will now eye Everton as first Leicester City win
Former Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock concurred with Gallagher’s verdict, adding: “I understand Steve Cooper’s frustration but I don’t think you’ve got much of an argument with that second angle.”
Ultimately, Leicester should still have held on to secure a first three points of the season but Conor Coady clumsily conceded a late penalty that saw the points shared.
Next up for Leicester is a home game against Everton and it is one that Cooper knows his side can have no excuses for anything but a win.
The Toffees are yet to register a point this season and threw away a 2-0 lead of their own to lose 3-2 to Aston Villa at the weekend.
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