According to a report by Evening Standard on Sunday November 1, 2026, Liverpool were left frustrated after being denied a first-half penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Anfield, with Sky Sports pundits insisting that the decision not to punish the Gunners was a mistake.

The controversial incident happened in the 21st minute, when Liverpool were searching for an equaliser after falling behind to Kai Havertz's goal.

During a free-kick, Liverpool striker Alexander Isak appeared to have his shirt pulled by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber inside the penalty area.

The contact seemed to prevent the Swedish forward from reaching the cross, but referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue without awarding a spot-kick.

The decision was subsequently checked by VAR, but the officials decided that no intervention was necessary. Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones confirmed at half-time that the incident had been reviewed.

However, former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge was unhappy with the outcome and described Timber's action as a clear and blatant foul.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Super Sunday programme, Sturridge suggested that Isak might have been awarded a penalty if he had made more of the contact.

"It's clear and blatant," he said.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright also admitted that his former club were fortunate to escape punishment.

Wright argued that Isak should not have needed to exaggerate the contact for the officials to recognise that he had been prevented from challenging for the ball.

"He shouldn't have to make more of it. We can see it. As an Arsenal man, I'm glad we got away with it," Wright said.

He added that the shirt pull was enough to stop Isak from making the necessary contact with the delivery.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was even more critical of the VAR officials, questioning why they failed to recommend a penalty when the incident appeared to have a direct impact on Isak's attempt to reach 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.

"VAR do your job."

Despite the controversy, Arsenal held on to their advantage to secure an important victory at Anfield.

Havertz's 16th-minute strike proved decisive, giving Mikel Arteta's side all three points and extending their lead over Manchester City to three points at the top of the Premier League table.

The result was a major boost for Arsenal, but the failure to award Liverpool a penalty is likely to remain one of the biggest talking points from the encounter.