Liverpool were denied a penalty at Anfield as VAR backed referee Andy Madley's decision not to award a spot-kick after Christos Tzolis appeared to foul Cody Gakpo, with Gary Neville agreeing with the officials' call

Gary Neville believes Liverpool were correctly denied a penalty when Arsenal forward Christos Tzolis brought down Cody Gakpo during a thrilling first half at Anfield.

Andoni Iraola's side fell behind to Kai Havertz's first-half strike at Anfield. They swiftly regrouped and mounted pressure on the Gunners through aggressive pressing and direct attacking play. Alexander Isak looked to have been pulled back by Jurrien Timber before Liverpool was left incensed over another penalty decision moments later.

Iraola, his staff and the entire capacity crowd at Anfield rose to their feet after Arsenal star Tzolis seemingly fouled Gakpo inside the penalty box. The Netherlands international attempted to reach a lofted pass from Alexis Mac Allister, only to run into the Arsenal winger.

Contact occurred between the two players, but referee Andy Madley instantly dismissed Liverpool's protests.

VAR conducted a brief review of the incident, but ultimately upheld Madley's initial judgement, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Neville subsequently delivered his immediate assessment of the situation, stating on Sky Sports: "It was clumsy from Tzolis. I don't think Gakpo would've got there.

"He was well ahead of him. There's not enough in it. Gakpo knows he's not going to get there so he goes down."

Nevertheless, there was one incident where Neville felt Liverpool deserved a spot-kick. Bradley Barcola delivered an in-swinging delivery which evaded all the players in the box and narrowly missed the far post.

However, as Alexander Isak moved into the penalty area, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber had hold of his shirt.

Neville remained adamant this warranted a penalty, stating: "I was really surprised Isak did not make more of it because it was right in my eyeline.

"I saw it in real time and it's a clear pull. Why is he not shouting and screaming? He's almost laughing with Timber over it. He should be absolutely fuming, and going crazy, and trying to get the referee's attention."

Iraola was spotted remonstrating with the fourth official following both incidents.