Liverpool suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, as Kai Havertz’s first-half goal proved enough to secure all three points for Mikel Arteta’s side. Andoni Iraola’s men had opportunities to get something from the game, particularly during a strong spell towards the end of the first half, but a lack of clinical finishing ultimately proved costly.
However, the biggest talking point will undoubtedly be the officials’ decision not to award Liverpool a penalty following Jurrien Timber’s shirt pull on Alexander Isak.
Seven changes as Nyoni makes Premier League debut
Iraola made seven changes to the side that secured a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in midweek.
Trey Nyoni was handed his full Premier League debut, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz returned from injury to take their places on the substitutes’ bench. Liverpool started with Alisson in goal, with Ronald Araujo, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet and Milos Kerkez forming the defensive unit.
Nyoni partnered Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, while Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo and Bradley Barcola supported Alexander Isak in attack.
Havertz punishes Liverpool’s mistake
The opening stages were relatively even, with both sides looking to establish control of the contest.
However, it was Arsenal who struck first in the 16th minute.
A misplaced pass from Alisson while Liverpool attempted to play out from the back allowed Arsenal to regain possession. Noni Madueke found Declan Rice down the right-hand side, and the midfielder delivered a low cross across the six-yard box. Kai Havertz was waiting at the back post to turn the ball home and give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
It was a disappointing goal to concede from Liverpool’s perspective, with Alisson’s error allowing Arsenal to capitalise on an opportunity they had not previously created.
Liverpool needed a response, and they began to grow into the game.
Liverpool finish the first half strongly
The Reds enjoyed their best spell of the match after falling behind, putting Arsenal under increasing pressure.
Florian Wirtz came agonisingly close to finding an equaliser when his free-kick from the left-hand side struck the crossbar. Alexis Mac Allister also had a glorious opportunity after finding space inside the penalty area, but his header sailed over the crossbar.
Liverpool continued to push forward, with Bradley Barcola delivering a dangerous cross that Alexander Isak was unable to reach.
However, that particular incident would become one of the biggest talking points of the afternoon. Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Isak’s shirt as the Liverpool striker attempted to attack the delivery, preventing him from getting to the ball.
Despite the clear shirt pull, referee Andy Madley waved away the appeals, and VAR decided not to intervene. It was a decision that left Liverpool supporters, players and coaching staff frustrated.
The Isak penalty controversy
The decision not to award Liverpool a penalty will undoubtedly attract plenty of discussion.
Replays showed Timber holding Isak’s shirt and stretching the Liverpool forward’s body as he attempted to reach the cross.
The incident was particularly frustrating because Isak remained on his feet rather than going to ground. Jamie Carragher, Daniel Sturridge and Ian Wright all questioned the decision during Sky Sports’ coverage.
Carragher argued that Isak should not have to make a meal of the incident to convince officials to award a penalty. Virgil van Dijk also expressed his frustration after the final whistle, questioning why VAR had failed to intervene despite the number of cameras available to review the incident.
There is also a wider disciplinary question.
Under Law 12, holding an opponent to deny an obvious goalscoring opportunity can result in a red card. Unlike a genuine attempt to play the ball, holding does not qualify for the reduced sanction under the double-jeopardy provision.
The incident seemed to meet the DOGSO criteria. Therefore, one would assume that if a penalty had been awarded, the referee would have had to brandish a red card.
Liverpool also appealed for another penalty when Cody Gakpo appeared to be held inside the area, but again, nothing was awarded.
Second half: Liverpool unable to find a breakthrough
Liverpool returned for the second half knowing they needed to find a way past an increasingly organised Arsenal defence.
Isak had an opportunity after being played through by Kerkez, but his effort from a tight angle went over the crossbar.
Iraola then introduced Szoboszlai in an attempt to add more quality and energy to Liverpool’s midfield. However, Arsenal began to threaten on the counterattack, forcing Liverpool into some important defensive work.
Jeremy Jacquet and Van Dijk produced important interventions to prevent Arsenal from extending their advantage. Alisson also made an excellent save to deny Christos Tzolis, keeping Liverpool within touching distance of an equaliser.
At the other end, Ronald Araujo saw an effort blocked after Van Dijk had headed the ball back into a dangerous area. Victor Munoz also came close with a header from Kostas Tsimikas’ cross, but his effort lacked the power to trouble David Raya.
Despite Liverpool’s attempts to find a way back into the contest, Arsenal held firm.
Full-time: Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
The final whistle confirmed a frustrating afternoon for Liverpool, who suffered their second defeat under Iraola. Arsenal secured their first league victory at Anfield in 14 years, moving three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
For Liverpool, there will be plenty of frustration.
Alisson’s mistake ultimately proved decisive, while the inability to turn promising attacking situations into clear chances remains a concern.
The Reds also finished the afternoon without registering a single shot on target, despite their attempts to find an equaliser. However, the controversy surrounding the Isak incident will inevitably dominate much of the post-match discussion.
Liverpool have plenty to work on ahead of their next fixture, but they will also feel aggrieved that a potentially decisive penalty decision went against them.
Final score: Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
Goal: Kai Havertz (16’)
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