Alexis Mac Allister was labelled as “embarrassing” after trying to get Noni Madueke sent off during Arsenal’s win over Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta’s side went to the top of the Premier League after beating Liverpool 1-0 courtesy of Kai Havertz’s early strike, marking their first triumph at Anfield since 2012.

Liverpool threw everything at Arsenal in an attempt to find an equaliser, and frustration boiled over late on when a scuffle broke out between Reds midfielder Mac Allister and a number of Gunners players.

After Mac Allister appeared to shout at a downed Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard before slapping the back of his head, he was confronted by Jurrien Timber as other players from both sides began surrounding.

Mac Allister then went down dramatically following contact between his head and Madueke’s, something which sparked red card appeals from the Liverpool players.

Replays showed that there was no thrust or intent from Madueke that was indicative of a head-butt, and co-commentator Gary Neville lambasted Mac Allister for his reaction.

"I don't think Mac Allister needs to go down like that but there's a little nudge with the head. A little inch forward can cost you a lot,” he said on Sky Sports.

"Mac Allister's reaction is a bit over the top, I can tell you that. Get up. Embarrassing.

"It's Mac Allister's fault because he slaps Odegaard when he's down which is unnecessary.

"It's the little movement forward of Madueke's head they're looking at. I hope they don't go for a red card for it."

VAR examined the incident closely but decided against recommending a red card for Madueke, taking the review no further.

"Well done to VAR because they're recognised that Mac Allister going down is embarrassing,” he said. "He [VAR Stuart Attwell] said that [to Madley], but in a posher way.”

Mac Allister, meanwhile, was shown a yellow card, as was Timber for his part in the confrontation.