Kyle Walker heaps praise on Michael Oliver for penalty call as Arsenal gain ground in title race

Manchester City full-back Kyle Walker has applauded referee Michael Oliver's decision not to give Liverpool a last-minute penalty that would likely have seen them leapfrog Arsenal to top the Premier League table.

The game was tied at 1-1 and deep into extra time when Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac Allister had a clash in the penalty area as Doku tried to clear the ball.

Doku did get some of the ball but his boot was raised high and made contact with Mac Allister, who went down inside the box.

Despite protests from Liverpool, Oliver let the game continue and the VAR controversially agreed with his decision, believing it wasn't a clear and obvious mistake.

While some disagreed, Walker has now said that Oliver 'did really, really well' in the situation.

«My view is the referee and VAR made a decision. I feel the ref [Michael Oliver] did really, really well,» he told Sky Sports. «I feel once you have Anfield and the crowd behind them, he could've crumbled, but that shows his experience, character, and that's why he's regarded as one of the best referees in this country and the world.

However, many didn't agree with Walker's view, including Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who was angry about the decision. Klopp was clearly unhappy with Oliver and showed his feelings as he walked over to the referee at the end of the game.

What Jorginho did to Aaron Ramsdale at full time shows Arsenal's secret weapon in title race

'Arsenal won overall' — National media deliver title race verdict after Liverpool vs Man City

»It was 100 per cent penalty," Klopp said. «They will find an explanation. It was 100 per cent foul in all areas of the pitch and probably a yellow card.

»All the people with iPads around me were 'wow, clear'. Maybe they can hide behind