According to a report by Evening Standard on Sunday November 1, 2026, Liverpool were left frustrated after they were denied a first-half penalty during their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

The controversial incident happened in the 21st minute, with the Reds looking for an equaliser after Kai Havertz had given Arsenal the lead.

Liverpool won a free-kick, and as the ball was delivered into the penalty area, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak's shirt, preventing the striker from getting to the cross.

Despite the apparent contact, the referee allowed play to continue. VAR subsequently reviewed the incident but decided that no penalty should be awarded, a decision that surprised several Sky Sports pundits.

Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge was particularly critical of the officials, describing Timber's shirt pull as “clear and blatant”.

Sturridge suggested that Isak might have been awarded a penalty if he had made more of the contact, although he insisted the foul was evident from the replays.

“If he makes more of it, it's a penalty. I don't think he makes enough of it. It's clear and blatant,” Sturridge said.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright also admitted that his old club benefited from the decision.

Wright argued that Isak should not have needed to exaggerate the contact or go to ground to convince the officials that he had been fouled.

“As an Arsenal man, I'm glad we got away with it,” Wright admitted.

He added that the shirt pull was enough to prevent the Liverpool forward from making proper contact with the cross.

Jamie Carragher was equally unhappy with the decision and questioned why VAR failed to recommend a penalty despite the apparent impact of the shirt pull.

The former Liverpool defender pointed out that Isak was in a promising position to attack the delivery before Timber's intervention stopped him from reaching the ball.

“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?” Carragher said.

He then delivered a blunt message to the video assistant referees, saying: “VAR do your job.”

Despite the controversy, Arsenal held on to secure an important victory at Anfield, with Havertz's first-half goal proving decisive.

The result gave Mikel Arteta's side a valuable three points and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to three points.

However, the decision not to award Liverpool a penalty is likely to remain a major talking point, particularly given the criticism from Sturridge, Wright and Carragher.