Caoimhin Kelleher could have added an extra dent to Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp’s title ambitions on Sunday when he attempted to use his hands outside of his area
Kelleher, 25, has been thrust into the limelight due to Allison’s long-term hamstring injury, and he was again between the sticks against Manchester United. While he has impressed on the whole, the Irishman was caught off guard at the weekend.
The 25-year-old was in no man’s land when Jarell Quansah fluffed his lines and handed the ball to Bruno Fernandes – who needed no invitation to pull the trigger, finding the back of the net from the inside of the centre-circle.
However, as the ball looped over his head, Kelleher had attempted to get his hands on the ball despite being outside of his area. If he had touched the effort, he would have most likely been given his marching orders.
And with Allison out injured, Adrian might have been given the nod in net from Jurgen Klopp against Crystal Palace – and Liverpool would have been forced to finish the game with 10 men.
The Reds’ title hopes took a hit over the weekend when they could only manage a 2-2 draw with United. Despite a dominant showing, they entered half-time only 1-0 up thanks to Luis Diaz’s strike.
United made them pay with Kobbie Mainoo giving them the lead after Fernandes’ long-ranger, but Mohamed Salah’s penalty six minutes from time rescued a point. Arsenal had moved to the top of the table on Saturday evening, beating Luton Town 2-0 at home.
And Jurgen Klopp’s side were unable to reclaim their perch, due to Arsenal’s superior goal difference. Manchester City are also right back in the race after they came from behind to beat Crystal Palace during the Saturday lunchtime clash.
