The Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel has ruled that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal after Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel has determined that Liverpool ought to have been awarded a penalty against Arsenal following a shirt pull on Alexander Isak.

The forward appeared to be hauled back by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber as he challenged for the ball. The on-field decision to wave away the penalty appeal was reviewed by VAR, who concurred with the referee's original ruling. The panel have since voted 4:1 in favour of a penalty being awarded.

Furthermore, the panel voted 3:2 that VAR should have stepped in to overturn the decision. The dissenting two argued that the "subjectivity in assessing impact" justified VAR's decision not to intervene.

The panellist who sided against awarding a penalty highlighted the "short-lived holding to lack clear impact on the ability of Isak to progress".

At the time of the incident, Liverpool were trailing 1-0, following Kai Havertz's 16th-minute opener — a goal that would ultimately prove decisive.

Setting out the regulations on holding, the Premier League stated: "Referees will consider a number of factors when determining an offence, including whether a player is focused solely on an opponent rather than the ball, whether they make any attempt to play or challenge for the ball, if they are holding an opponent with both arms and if the holding is sustained or impactful to an opponent or their clothing.

"In this instance the panel deemed that Timber's challenge on Isak met the threshold for a holding offence and should have resulted in a penalty kick, both on-field and through VAR intervention."

Speaking at full time, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola gave his view on the decision. "I think the Isak one is a clear penalty," he said.

"He's going to head the ball in front of the goal, and they grab him where everyone sees the shirt.

"You don't need a lot, just to avoid Alex, because the ball just goes in front of him, and I don't see the reason why, probably because he doesn't dive or he doesn't go to the floor. It shouldn't be a reason not to concede a penalty."

He added: "It's not going to change anything if we talk to the PGMOL or not. I think we have to wait now, I think it's 10 days or 12 days until they give the resolution.

"It's going to be what it is and that's it, accept it and let's go for the next one, no? It's not going to change."

Sky Sports analyst and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher expressed disbelief that a spot-kick wasn't awarded. "One of the best goalscorers in the league is pulled back seven yards out and it stops him heading the ball - why does he need to make a meal of it? VAR, do your job," he said.

Arsenal great Ian Wright shared the same view, commenting: "It's obvious he's pulled his shirt. Why does he need to dive? He shouldn't have to make more of it.

"VAR is wrong in this instance. Of course it's my team and I'm happy we've won it. But if they gave that penalty, I wouldn't sit here and say: 'I can't believe they gave that'."