Liverpool avoided a nerve-jangling encounter due to Martin Atkinson's incorrect decision which should have seen Middlesbrough handed a penalty

Liverpool were incredibly nervous in the first half and could have gone behind if Middlesbrough had converted the penalty they deserved.

However Martin Atkinson failed to detect a foul by Dejan Lovren on Patrick Bamford when the Boro striker was through on goal with a clear and obvious goal scoring opportunity.

It was a clumsy foul which started outside the penalty area but continued inside meaning a penalty would have been the correct decision.

Atkinson's view was obscured by Joel Matip and his assistant, Adam Nunn, failed to flag.