According to a report by London Evening Standard on Sunday November 1, 2026, Liverpool were controversially denied a first-half penalty during their Premier League clash against Arsenal after Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak's shirt inside the penalty area.

The decision attracted criticism from Sky Sports pundits, with Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Carragher believing the Reds should have been awarded a spot-kick.

The incident occurred in the 21st minute at Anfield as Liverpool searched for an equaliser after falling behind to Kai Havertz's opening goal. The Arsenal forward had given the visitors the advantage with his third Premier League goal of the season.

Liverpool subsequently threatened from a free-kick when Isak attempted to get on the end of a dangerous delivery into the penalty area. However, Timber appeared to pull the Swedish striker's shirt, preventing him from reaching the ball.

Despite replays showing the apparent shirt pull, referee did not award a penalty. The situation was also reviewed by VAR, but the officials decided that no intervention was necessary.

Speaking during Sky Sports' Super Sunday coverage, former Liverpool striker Sturridge questioned the decision. He described the shirt pull as clear and blatant, arguing that the officials had made a mistake by allowing play to continue.

Sturridge also suggested that Isak might have won the penalty if he had reacted more dramatically to the contact.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright admitted that his former club had benefited from the controversial decision. However, he insisted that Isak should not have needed to exaggerate the incident for the referee to recognise the infringement.

Jamie Carragher also expressed his frustration with the VAR officials. The Liverpool legend argued that pulling back one of the Premier League's best goalscorers inside the penalty area was enough to warrant a spot-kick.

He questioned why Isak needed to make a bigger fuss before the officials could recognise the foul. Carragher concluded by demanding that VAR officials properly perform their responsibilities during matches.