Former footballers Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright have questioned the decision not to award Liverpool a penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, November 1.

The controversy arose in the first half when Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Liverpool striker Alexander Isak’s shirt as he attempted to connect with a cross inside the penalty area.

Despite the contact, referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) also deciding against intervening.

Speaking after the game, Carragher insisted the incident should have resulted in a penalty, arguing that Timber’s challenge prevented Isak from getting to the ball in a promising goalscoring position.

“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.

Wright, despite his allegiance to Arsenal, also believed Liverpool deserved a spot-kick, arguing that Isak should not have needed to exaggerate the contact to attract the referee’s attention.

“He shouldn’t have to make more of it. We can see it,” the former Arsenal striker said.

The debate has intensified following the result, which saw Arsenal secure their first Premier League victory at Anfield in 14 years.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also described the incident as a clear penalty, while captain Virgil van Dijk questioned why VAR failed to intervene.