Iraola vows to change tactics after Liverpool penalty snub

VAR denies Alexander Isak penalty claim

Liverpool players and staff believe the team deserved a penalty after Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt. The incident occurred in the 21st minute as Isak attempted to reach a cross.

Referee Andy Madley and the video assistant referee reviewed the play but chose not to award a penalty. Stuart Attwell was the official responsible for the video review process. Officials decided not to intervene with the original on-field decision of no penalty.

Andoni Iraola plans to instruct players to dive

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola described the incident involving Alexander Isak as a "clear penalty" because Jurrien Timber held his shirt. He suggested that officials do not call fouls if the player stays on their feet.

Iraola stated he will instruct his players to go to the ground to win penalties in the future. He confirmed he will speak with Isak about the incident.

The manager remarked that staff might have to tell players to "go to the floor" to ensure referees award penalties. He asserted that if Isak had gone to the floor, the referee would have called the penalty 100%.

Virgil van Dijk questions VAR process

Virgil van Dijk expressed frustration regarding the penalty decision and the performance of the video assistant referee.

Virgil van Dijk questioned the VAR process, asking: "The VAR doesn’t notice it? There are 50 cameras. Even more." He noted he reviewed the play and believes it should have been a penalty, as he has seen similar fouls penalized in the past.

Pundits and rules on shirt-pulling

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy stated that Arsenal were fortunate and the incident should have been reviewed by VAR. Gary Neville and Ian Wright both expressed the opinion that the decision not to award a penalty should have been overturned.

Daniel Sturridge observed that Jurrien Timber held Alexander Isak with a "stretched-out arm" and argued that the player should not have to exaggerate the foul to get a decision. However, Sturridge also expressed disbelief at Isak's lack of reaction, suggesting he should have fallen over, put his arms in the air, and complained to the referee to get a decision.

Liverpool struggle in front of goal

Liverpool failed to record a shot on target during the match. This is the first time this has happened in a Premier League game at Anfield since the 2003-04 season.

The team has scored four goals in their five home Premier League matches this season. This marks their joint-fewest at this stage of a campaign since the 1913-14 and 2012-13 seasons.

During the first half, Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar with a free-kick and Alexis Mac Allister headed the ball over the goal.