'Sold it' - Dermot Gallagher explains Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez Liverpool penalty decisions

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Cody Gakpo's theatrical fall prevented him from receiving a penalty in Sunday's 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Gakpo went to ground during the first half after appearing to be tripped by Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, though referee Paul Tierney saw nothing wrong with the challenge and ordered play to continue. A subsequent VAR check took place, though they also deemed the incident unworthy of a spot-kick.

The Reds would go on to take all three points, ensuring this was not a decision that came back to haunt them - unlike in the reverse fixture after seeing a legitimate Luis Diaz goal ruled out.

Of the view how Gakpo went to ground played a key role in Tierney's decision to overlook this incident, Gallagher told Sky Sports: "I think how he reacted sold it to the referee, to be honest. He does get clipped, the referee’s very close and sees him go through the air like that, and I think that’s what convinced him not to give a penalty.

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“I actually think that, honestly, how he’s gone [down] has convinced the referee that he’s launched himself through the air. Because the referee’s got a perfect view. If you look, the referee is as close as I am to you if you like, and he waves it away straight away. I think that sells it in his mind, that he’s gone to do it himself.”

Asked if VAR would have clearly seen Gakpo was tripped, Gallagher replied: “They can, but don’t forget they have to go on what the referee says. So the referee says ‘this is why I haven’t given it’, you look at the pictures. He will say ‘I think he’s launched himself through the air’ – you look at that picture, you can’t really argue with the referee there. He’s in the perfect position and he waves it away immediately, says no."

A separate penalty shout arose, this time for Tottenham, when Joe Gomez produced a goal-saving clearance towards the end of proceedings. Gomez made contact with the ball, though made contact with Brennan Johnson on the follow-through. VAR reviewed this moment and chose not to intervene.

Explaining why this was the correct call, Gallagher said: "Difficult to get a penalty when the player clearly gets the ball first. It's a massive risk making a challenge like this. If he makes contact with the player before the ball, it is certainly going to be a penalty because of how high his boot is. Without doubt, he does get the ball. On that occasion, he will say it's great defending. It was a massive risk, but one that was worth taking."