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Virgil van Dijk fumes at Alexander Isak penalty call and reacts to Gary Neville opinion

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has made his feelings clear over a controversial penalty decision during the disappointing defeat against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool react during the Premier League 2026/27 match against Arsenal
Virgil van Dijk has spoken following Liverpool's defeat to Arsenal

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has shared his opinion on the penalty shout involving Alexander Isak in the Reds' defeat to Arsenal.

It was a rather cagey meeting at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, but it was a gift from the Liverpool defense that resulted in Arsenal opening the scoring in the first half. Kai Havertz finished the move and found the back of the net after Alisson played a poor pass to Jeremy Jacquet.

Liverpool had a number of opportunities before the break to level the scoreline. Alexis Mac Allister, Van Dijk and Florian Wirtz were among those to come close to scoring. Isak and Bradley Barcola also had opportunities, but neither attacker proved to be clinical enough.

There was, however, an incident involving Isak that could've resulted in a penalty for Liverpool. The Swedish striker got his head to the ball as it went wide, but in the process, his shirt was clearly pulled by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.

A penalty wasn't given by referee Andy Madley, nor was there any intervention from VAR Stuart Attwell. Pundits covering the game believed it should've been a penalty, although Gary Neville insisted that Isak was too nice and should've made more of the incident for it to be given.

That's a sentiment Van Dijk does not agree with, as he explained post-match: "I think it was a clear penalty. I've seen it back and I've seen it being given. Today it wasn't meant to be.

"We have 50 cameras. Why does he have to complain when there are so many cameras.

Alexander Isak of Liverpool headers the ball as Jurrien Timber of Arsenal pulls his shirt during the Premier League 2026/27 match
Alexander Isak was denied a penalty in Liverpool's defeat against Arsenal

"Everyone has seen it. In the end it wasn't given and we lose the game unfortunately, so well done to Arsenal."

Liverpool's dominance dwindled in the second half, and the Reds were unable to muster an important equalizer. The result puts Arsenal top of the Premier League standings, while Liverpool remains just outside the top four.

Next week, Andoni Iraola 's side returns to Champions League action with a trip to face Fenerbahce. There, the Reds will hope to make it four wins from four in Europe.

Then, they face a tricky away test at Crystal Palace, where they will hope to bounce back from this weekend's defeat. It will be the final game before the international break and a chance to regain some ground on the league leaders.

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