Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 as Isak penalty appeal goes unanswered

Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield on November 1, 2026, with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal in the 16th minute. The result came after Liverpool appealed for a penalty when Alexander Isak’s shirt was pulled by Jurrien Timber inside the area. Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue, and VAR did not intervene. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said after the match that he believed the incident should have resulted in a penalty. He questioned why Isak would need to make more of the contact when cameras had captured it. Van Dijk also said Liverpool had created opportunities but needed to send more balls into the box during the final 15 minutes. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also called the incident a clear penalty and said he would tell Isak to go to ground in future. His comments reflected frustration with the decision, but the accounts of the match do not include an independent explanation from the officials or a separate ruling on the appeal. Havertz’s goal followed a misplaced pass by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, which gave Arsenal an opportunity to attack. Liverpool pressed for an equaliser after falling behind. Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar with a free...