“I was happy” – Jeremy Doku breaks silence on Alexis Mac Allister challenge during Liverpool battle

Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku has broken his silence around the incident involving Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield earlier this month.

Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s sides played out an eventful 1-1 draw in the Premier League, as the two clubs go head-to-head along with Arsenal for yet another English top-flight title, in what else turned out to be the final meeting between the two coaches in the British game.

John Stones put Manchester City ahead in the first-half following a brilliantly worked corner-kick routine, before Alexis Mac Allister converted from the penalty spot in the second-half after an Ederson foul on Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez.

While both Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden had strong chances to take all three points back to the Etihad Stadium, a late decision inside the Manchester City penalty area left some around Liverpool incensed after they felt they should have received a second penalty in the game.

A 50/50 challenge between Jeremy Doku and Alexis Mac Allister saw the Manchester City forward raise his boot towards the chest of the Argentine midfielder, winning the ball first but appearing to strike the player in the process.

Speaking during the recently-concluded international break, Jeremy Doku responded with, “Of course I agree,” when quizzed on the eventual VAR review that aligned itself with Michael Oliver’s on-field decision of ‘no penalty’ on Merseyside.

“No, it was a risky challenge,” Doku continued. “I could have handled it differently. I still think it wasn’t a penalty but I know some other referees would have given it. But it wasn’t a penalty so I was happy.”

The Manchester City forward further explained, “Was I worried? For a moment when they were looking at the VAR and maybe looking for a penalty. For me, it wasn’t a penalty, but I understand why some people are angry and why the Liverpool fans think it was a penalty.”

The ongoing Premier League title race is expected to go right down to the wire this season, with Manchester City and Arsenal going head-to-head in the division on Sunday afternoon – the first contest back for both teams after the international break.

City however will be having to balance their title chase with a pursuit of another Treble this campaign, as their top-flight duties are accompanied by an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea and a UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid.