Why Man City didn't get two penalties vs Chelsea as 'consistency' point made

Danny Murphy agrees with the decision not to award Manchester City a penalty against Chelsea but can understand why the players would feel wronged, given other recent decisions.

City saw two penalty appeals waved away by referee Andy Madley as they chased late drama at the Etihad on Saturday. Kyle Walker was furious not to get a spot-kick after colliding with Raheem Sterling, while the ball appeared to hit Levi Colwill's arm during a scramble in the box.

Pep Guardiola's side fought back from 1-0 down to take a point from the game, with Rodri cancelling out Raheem Sterling's first-half opener. The Blues were utterly dominant for large portions and felt aggrieved to not have been given a chance to win it - although Murphy disagrees.

“I think Andy Madley did brilliantly with this one [Walker and Sterling collision] and got it spot on,” Murphy told Match of the Day. “The more you see it, Walker goes across Sterling and puts his leg across. Sterling doesn't even see him coming, it's a deliberate ploy, he initiates the contact. I think it's a really good decision. 

“I understand the discontent and disappointment from City players with this [the Colwill handball appeals] because if you think of Luton vs Sheffield united last week and some other ridiculous handballs this season. I completely agree, I think it's the right decision not to give a penalty.  

“I don't want to see penalties given for handball when players don't have a clue where the ball is. It's not deliberate but the disappointment comes from seeing other penalties given for less or similar. It's the consistency.”

Two points dropped leaves City four short of the Premier League summit, with both Liverpool and Arsenal cruising to victories over Brentford and Burnley respectively earlier in the day. Guardiola's men host the Bees on Tuesday.