'Watch him' - Dermot Gallagher highlights major Anthony Taylor Liverpool 'mistake'

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has admitted Anthony Taylor 'made a mistake' when denying Liverpool a possible third goal against West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Cody Gakpo had the chance to win the game for Jurgen Klopp's side when goalkeeper Alphonse Areola threw the ball down inside his box as he prepared to start a West Ham attack, which Gakpo was alert to and ready to intercept.

After collecting possession of the ball, Taylor decided to sound his whistle and pause play after judging Areola was in need of an assessment from medical staff. The Hammers' shot-stopper did not signal for help at any stage, raising the question as to why the game was stopped, particularly as the referee signalled for him to get up and continue playing just moments before.

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Taylor had the opportunity to sound his whistle long before Gakpo seized on the loose ball, though opted against doing so, which Gallagher has identified as an error of the official.

Reviewing the incident in full, the retired referee told Sky Sports: "At this point [while Areola was down on the ground], he can stop play and say the keeper needs treatment, but you watch him and he decides he doesn't. That's where I think he makes the mistake: he turns his back on the ball.

Gallagher then added: "At that point, for that point of however long it was, you're not in control of that situation. He turns quickly and sees Gakpo going back, blows his whistle, which is why he doesn't kick the ball in the net.

"He goes to the keeper and decides he needs treatment. I think that has dug him out. As I say, if you keep it safe and keep it simple, the easy answer was: when the goalkeeper was here, blow your whistle and say he needed treatment then and we wouldn't have this scenario."