Manchester City would be above both Liverpool and Manchester United in the table if there'd been no penalties in the Premier League this season.
On Sunday Liverpool welcome United to Anfield in a top of the table clash, that could see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side open a six point gap on their rivals or see the champions go back above them into top spot.
Advert
Recently Jurgen Klopp has complained about the number of penalties that United have been awarded in recent times, specifically since Solskjaer took over.
On Thursday, former referee Mark Clattenburg told the German to stop being a hypocrite, despite the Old Trafford side being awarded 42 spot kicks to Liverpool's 19 in all competitions in that time period.
Things are much closer this season, with United awarded six penalties to Liverpool's five and the timing of those penalties has actually affected the champions more.
According to the stats Liverpool would have actually dropped seven extra points this season if it weren't for their penalties and would be in ninth place.
Advert
United on the other hand would be just four points worse off but would have dropped one place into second, where they'll be if they lose at the weekend.
City are the benefactors actually rising three points and into top spot. Surprisingly Leicester City, who lead the league in penalties awarded this season, with nine so far, don't move at all in the table.
Brendan Rodgers' side would still be in fourth place without goals from the 12 yard spot, although they would be two points worse off.
Speaking after his side's 1-0 loss to Southampton recently, in which he felt his side should have had two penalties, Klopp said, "I hear now that Manchester United had more penalties in two years than I had in five-and-a-half years. I've no idea if that's my fault, or how that can happen.
Advert
"But it's no excuse for the performance. We cannot change it, we have to respect the decisions. But we can change our performance. That's our focus now."
On a potential foul on Sadio Mane, the former Borussia Dortmund boss added, "If anybody ever again will say Sadio Mane is a 'diver', it's the biggest joke in the world.
"This boy tries to stay on his feet with all he has. In two situations... other teams will get a penalty for it, let me say it like this. Then the handball, I don't know who will explain that to me."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Football News, Leicester City, Manchester United, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Penalty
