Andoni Iraola's poor call has seen Liverpool miss out on the chance to move closer to the top of the table after losing 1-0 to Arsenal at home

Liverpool have missed their chance to cut the gap at the top of the table and launch themselves into a title fight after a 1-0 loss to Arsenal. The Gunners are now three points clear at the summit, after Manchester City dropped more points to Brighton.

Andoni Iraola's Liverpool had seemingly started to click, after a couple of hiccups in the early weeks of the season, with tentative talks about a title push. And while they could argue that they were the better team for large periods, the Reds failed to find the net.

The loss falls at the feet of Iraola, who made two poor decisions at Anfield on Sunday evening.

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The game was won, and lost, in the opening ten minutes of the game in the middle of the park. Declan Rice was everywhere, while Liverpool were chasing shadows.

The Reds, who have been plagued by midfield problems all season, were so easily bypassed with Florian Wirtz offering next to nothing on the defensive side of the ball. Wirtz, who has been showing signs of brilliance in recent weeks, was just too passive when his side weren't attacking.

Trey Nyoni, who was making his full Liverpool debut, needed time to settle. But that didn't come in time for Kai Havertz to open the scoring. And once the Reds started to claw their way back into the game, Nyoni was subbed. As a result, Liverpool lost control of the midfield again.

However, the game was overshadowed with an incident involving Alexander Isak after the Reds had found themselves behind. The Swedish striker had got the run on Jurrien Timber, and looked to be heading for a free header.

The Dutchman, however, determined to not allow that to happen, stuck out his arm and pulled Isak back. Isak didn't complain, nor did he hit the deck.

Simply, that challenge is a penalty every single day of the week - and yet the referee, Andy Madley, and his VAR team, somehow failed to see it that way.

Liverpool had been in the ascendancy at that point, and looked destined to score. However, they saw shots saved, blocked and rattle the woodwork.

It was becoming increasingly frustrating for Liverpool against an Arsenal side that has learned to master the dark arts - the Gunners were buying cheap fouls, allowing them to take a breath and reset, ready for the next Liverpool onslaught.

And with every Arsenal trick, the Liverpool fans were getting more and more irate, with their feelings often being projected onto the pitch - playing into Arsenal's hands.

It's a setback for the Reds, who have slipped out of the top four - surrendering their spot to Chelsea.

While Arsenal are now back on their perch at the top of the table, having been three points behind rivals City two weeks ago, as Mikel Arteta finally gets his Anfield win.