However, referee Chris Kavanagh promptly annulled it, believing that Manuel Akanji had impeded Alisson as the ball was delivered into the box from a corner.
As the Brazilian leaped to collect the cross, his Swiss opponent nudged him, causing the goalkeeper to lose control of the ball.
Dias confidently slotted the ball home before the whistle blew.
Man City had hoped for a VAR review to overturn the decision, but it opted not to intervene in Kavanagh’s on-field ruling.
Former Man City defender Stuart Pearce and ex-Liverpool striker Dean Saunders expressed contrasting opinions during the live broadcast on talkSPORT.
Pearce commented, “It’s a very slight touch. Anywhere else on the pitch – it wouldn’t be considered a foul. But that’s how the modern game is.”
Saunders disagreed, stating, “To me, it’s an obvious foul. He grabbed his arm before the ball arrived, then leaned on him. Referees are strict about touching goalkeepers now.”
talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface shared his viewpoint, saying, “As a neutral party here, I think that was a bit soft, and Alisson should have done better.”
Pearce concurred, “I believe the goalkeeper had contact before the ball reached him and probably decided to play for a foul – which he got.”
Saunders firmly insisted, “It’s a foul.”
Later on, Pearce acknowledged, “Deano and I disagree on the decision, showing it wasn’t a clear mistake by the ref.”
“In today’s laws,” Matterface clarified.
Saunders concluded, “In today’s laws, you can’t touch the keeper.”
