Iraola says Liverpool players must dive after Isak penalty denied by Arsenal

Penalty shout at Anfield

Arsenal won 1-0 at Anfield on Sunday, 1 November 2026, in a Premier League match decided by a first-half goal from Kai Havertz. The most disputed moment came in the 21st minute, when Jurrien Timber took hold of the shirt of Alexander Isak as the Liverpool striker went up to head a cross from Bradley Barcola. Isak stayed on his feet, and referee Andy Madley did not point to the spot. VAR Stuart Attwell judged there was not enough contact to overturn the decision, so the referee's call stood. Liverpool had also been refused an appeal shortly before that, when Cody Gakpo went down under a challenge from Christos Tzolis.

Iraola wants players to go down

Andoni Iraola described the contact as a clear grab of the shirt and said the ball would have gone in front of goal had Isak not been held. He argued that referees only award such fouls when the player goes to the floor, so his players must learn to do that. Iraola told BBC Sport that he would tell Isak the same thing in future. Asked about an apology from Pro Ref, the Premier League's refereeing body, he said it would not change anything.

“It's a shame you ask me this question, but honestly, yes, we have to tell them, go down, because they're not going to call it otherwise.”

He also said Isak had been honest in how he went for the ball, and that the pull was visible to anyone watching live. Iraola said he did not understand why the contact was not penalised when it was so clear to him.

Van Dijk and Liverpool's finishing

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said the incident should have been spotted given the number of cameras at the stadium. He said there are 50 cameras, and asked why players have to complain when the evidence is there to see. Van Dijk accepted that the decision went against his side and that Liverpool lost the match.

“It is spotted because everyone's seen it. In the end, it wasn't given and we lose the game unfortunately, so well done to Arsenal.”

Liverpool had 17 attempts but none on target, a return that exposed their problems in front of goal. Iraola acknowledged that his side had good chances inside the box that they did not convert. He said he valued how the team kept attacking after falling behind, even though the result was not enough against a top opponent.

What the result means for the table

The win was Arsenal's first at Anfield in 14 years, and it moved them back to the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool had won five matches in a row before this defeat, so the loss ends that run. Iraola admitted it was difficult to talk about momentum after a defeat of this kind. He called the match important for his side and described the result as disappointing.