Steve Cooper will undoubtedly carry the frustration of Leicester City’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace into the new week as the hunt for a first Premier League win of the season continues.
On paper, a point away at Selhurst Park might not seem a bad result. But the fact that Leicester were 2-0 up, only to concede an equaliser from a 92nd-minute penalty, makes it a bitter pill for Cooper to swallow.
Goals from Jamie Vardy and Stephy Mavididi put Leicester firmly in control, with the latter’s strike coming just a minute into the second half.
However, the momentum shifted when Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back for Palace just a minute later. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a lengthy VAR review overturned the decision, allowing Palace to halve the deficit.
Mateta, the danger man for Crystal Palace, had been on Cooper’s radar, especially given his fine form since Oliver Glasner took over at Selhurst Park.
It was no surprise that Mateta, who bagged a brace, would be the man to frustrate Leicester. His first goal was particularly controversial, leading to frustration from fans and pundits alike, including Leicester legend Gary Lineker.
However, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher weighed in on the debate during Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch, providing clarity on the incident.
“VAR felt he was just kept onside. The only authority we’ve got is the technology until semi-automated comes,” Gallagher explained.
“The line says he’s just onside, that’s all we can go on. Every team plays to the same technology. If it says onside, it’s onside; if it says off, it’s off. In their view, it’s factual.”
Former Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock echoed Gallagher’s sentiment, adding: “I understand Steve Cooper’s frustration, but I don’t think you’ve got much of an argument with that second angle.”
Despite the controversy, Leicester should have seen the game out. But disaster struck when Conor Coady conceded a clumsy penalty in the dying moments, gifting Palace an equaliser and ensuring Leicester’s wait for their first win of the season would continue.
Looking ahead, Cooper and his squad must now prepare for a crucial home clash against Everton. With the Toffees yet to register a point this season, and having squandered a 2-0 lead themselves in a 3-2 loss to Aston Villa, Leicester will see this as a must-win.
Cooper knows that anything less than three points against Everton will only intensify the pressure on his team, who are still struggling to find their footing in the new campaign.