You robbed us - Liverpool turn on referee Styles

On a day when Sven Goran Eriksson's Manchester City beat neighbours United 1-0 to go top of the Premier League, events at Anfield were equally dramatic, with Styles also appearing to allow Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to stay on the pitch despite receiving two yellow cards.

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Red rage: Liverpool's Steve Finnan (above left), Jamie Carragher and Xabi Alonso surround referee Styles after the penalty award, but Eriksson couldn't be happier

Liverpool were leading 1-0 at Anfield through Fernando Torres when Styles enraged the hosts by pointing to the spot after Florent Malouda tangled with Steve Finnan.

Frank Lampard scored from the spot to claim a 1-1 draw, a result which left Gerrard fuming: 'I think a very, very unfair decision has got Chelsea a point today.

"The referee didn't play well. There was a lot of pressure from the Chelsea players and I thought he eventually cracked. I hope he apologises. When players make mistakes they have to come out and say sorry so we'll see what he has to say."

On a weekend of controversial refereeing, Styles also appeared to caution Essien for a second time in the aftermath of a foul by Tal Ben Haim on Torres in the 72nd minute.

Essien had earlier lunged at Alvaro Arbeloa for his first yellow card. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted: "The boy was shocked he was still on the pitch."

Rob Styles adds to a penalty controversy by apparently booking Michael Essien twice - without sending him off

Styles, however, was reported by Sky as having told the fourth official that he had not booked Essien for a second time.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, meanwhile, echoed Gerrard's sentiments over the disputed penalty as he reflected on a lost opportunity to maintain a 100 per cent record.

Turning point: Malouda tumbles

Benitez said: "I think it was a mistake. Unbelievable. How can you change a game like this? It is clear, he can watch the video. He may understand why we are so disappointed. Nobody could see the penalty. I want to have a lot of respect for the referee but sometimes you can't understand why they do things."

Mourinho claimed not to have seen the incident clearly but added: "In the box there is no advantage law, if the referee sees a foul he gives a penalty. So when Malouda is kicked from behind as he lets the ball run to Drogba, it is a penalty.

"It is to be discussed by commentators, just like they discussed the goal we lost the Champions League semifinal here two years ago.' Earlier at Eastlands, Brazilian midfielder Geovanni struck the goal that sent Eriksson's men to the top of the table. 'Three games, three wins, three clean sheets. I must be happy with that and I am,' said the Swede.

"Today was our most difficult game so far. If you gave points for possession, shots on target and shots off target we would have lost. But we scored and they didn't.

Something to shout about: Chelsea celebrate their goal against Liverpool

"We have beaten Manchester United and that doesn't happen every day, although we still have a long way to go yet."

Eriksson picked out Micah Richards for particular praise after the young England defender excelled against Carlos Tevez.

"It is important to remember this young man is 19," he said.

"I don't remember having a defender that strong and that quick at any age. That is a combination that is very rare indeed. His pace is incredible. At 19, you just don't see that."

United have collected only two points and scored only one goal so far and manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We have given ourselves an uphill fight. We have to get a win under our belts.

"We have Tottenham on Sunday. That has become a very important game for us."