Arsenal Win 1-0 at Anfield as Iraola Questions Isak Penalty Decision
Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield, and the win moved them into first place in the Premier League, England's top football division. Liverpool, beaten at home, left the pitch with one moment dominating the talk more than the scoreline.
That moment came in the first half, when Alexander Isak went for a cross. He was trying to meet a Barcola delivery when Jurrien Timber pulled his shirt, according to The Athletic. Liverpool's players and fans wanted a penalty, the spot kick awarded when a defender fouls an attacker in the box. The referee did not give one. The Telegraph's live coverage also reported the shirt pull.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he "doesn't understand" the decision not to award a penalty. Liverpool's own match report, headlined "Liverpool narrowly beaten by Arsenal at Anfield", noted a run of penalty appeals that went unanswered across the match.
Isak had a chance to change things after the break. Kerkez slipped him through, but Isak fired over the bar from a tight angle, meaning he was shooting from a narrow position close to the byline. The miss kept Arsenal's lead intact, and Arsenal held on for the win.
The penalty debate carried on after the final whistle. On Sky Sports, former players Jamie Carragher, Daniel Sturridge and Ian Wright discussed Liverpool's appeal and the Timber challenge. Football fans will argue about moments like this for days. Referees have to make the call in a split second, and the replays do not always settle it.
For Liverpool, the result is a home defeat that stings, especially with the title race tight at the top. For Arsenal, it is three points and a spot at the summit. Iraola's side now have a week to show they can turn close games in their favour, while Arsenal take the lead into their next fixture with a narrow win in hand.
If you are new to the Premier League, here is the simple version. Teams earn three points for a win and one for a draw. The team top of the table is the one with the most points. Arsenal have the most points now, after a single goal decided it.
