Liverpool had strong shouts for a penalty waved away during their showdown with Arsenal

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was left fuming that the video assistant referee missed a penalty shout against Arsenal. Jurrien Timber avoided being penalised for a penalty for an apparent pull on Reds striker Alexander Isak as he looked to head the hosts level.

Bradley Barcola delivered a tantalising cross which narrowly missed the Sweden international, however replays showed the Dutch defender had pulled his shirt. Liverpool fell behind inside 20 minutes after Kai Havertz tapped home with the visitors pouncing on sloppy play out from the back from the Reds backline.

However, after falling behind, Andoni Iraola's side surged back putting the Premier League champions under pressure. Yet, the half-time analysis focused on how Andy Madley missed out on awarding Liverpool a penalty and hand them the chance to level proceedings.

Carragher said: “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."

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The former stopper was responding to Daniel Sturridge who felt that Liverpool would have had a stronger shout for a penalty if the Swede made more of a big deal about the tug. He said: “If he [Isak] makes more of it, it's a penalty. I don't think he makes enough of it... It's clear and blatant."

Following the interval, Gary Neville felt the reaction was Isak was "odd". He said: "The guys at half-time said Isak should not have to make more of it [his penalty shout in the first half].

"It's actually unnatural not to make more of it. When you get pulled and you're just about to score, you ordinarily complain like crazy. It's a very odd reaction from Isak."

Ian Wright was among the contingent to represent Arsenal as part of Sky Sports' coverage. But the former Gunners talisman couldn't ignore that the North London club got away with a key moment.

He said: “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.

“Unless I'm pulled back, I'm going to head it as much as I can. When he pulled him, it was just about enough as he would need to go down."

After Brighton & Hove Albion avenged their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City in the midweek, the Seagulls dented Enzo Maresca's sides Premier League title hopes with a 1-0 win.

A win for Arsenal would open up the gap in their title defence to three points after City suffered back-to-back defeats in the top-flight, following their 2-1 disappointment at the hands of Aston Villa last week.

Liverpool had their sights on a momentum-boosting win after an impressive run under Andoni Iraola. Following Chelsea's win over Manchester United, it moved Xabi Alonso's side into the top four at the Reds' expense.