Lampard: Maguire's headlock on Azpilicueta 'a clear penalty'

Manager Frank Lampard was annoyed that Chelsea weren't awarded a penalty after Manchester United defender Harry Maguire appeared to foul Cesar Azpilicueta in the first half of Saturday's goalless stalemate.

"I thought it was a clear penalty," Lampard said, according to BBC Sport's Simon Stone. "Holding is allowed, but headlocks aren't.

"Obviously, I didn't see it at the time from where I'm standing. They are hard calls for referees on the pitch, but the VAR was very quick to dismiss it, in my opinion.

"I think they should have taken time and advised the referee to watch the monitor. If the referee goes to the monitor, he gives a penalty."

As Azpilicueta attempted an aerial challenge in United's box, Maguire wrapped his left arm around the Chelsea captain's neck before bringing him to the ground. The VAR opted not to intervene.

"I felt arms around my neck and shoulders," Azpilicueta said, according to ESPN.

He added, "In any situation, the referee takes the main decisions and the monitor is there for him to help. It was 50-50 so why not take 20 seconds to review it?"

Chelsea sit in sixth place after picking up a point at Old Trafford, while United wallow in 15th.