Iraola says Liverpool players must go down to win penalties after Arsenal defeat

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says his players may have to “go down” in future after the Reds were denied a penalty during Sunday’s controversial 1-0 defeat by Arsenal.

Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber as he tried to reach Bradley Barcola’s cross midway through the first half. The Sweden striker stayed on his feet, and neither the referee nor VAR awarded a spot-kick.

Timber could also have been sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity without making an attempt to play the ball.

“It’s a shame you ask me this question. But honestly, yes, we have to tell them to go down because they are not going to call it otherwise,” said Iraola, who has now suffered only his second defeat since taking charge of Liverpool.

“I don’t see the reason why. Only because he hasn’t dived or he hasn’t gone to the floor. It shouldn’t be a reason, but of course it’s a penalty.”

Arsenal had already taken the lead by the time of the decision, with Kai Havertz scoring an early opener.

Liverpool responded strongly and had chances to equalise before half-time. Florian Wirtz struck the crossbar with a curling free-kick, while Alexis Mac Allister headed a clear opportunity over the bar.

“We had good chances – we hit the crossbar and had good situations we were not able to finish. We definitely deserved a goal,” Iraola added.

“I loved the reaction from my players after going 1-0 down…I loved a lot of moments of the game.

“We have to keep going. It is very early in the season. Arsenal are in the best of the situations but it is just the start of November today.”

The result moved the defending Premier League champions to the top of the table and nine points above Liverpool, while Arsenal secured their first victory at Anfield in 14 years.

The win also put Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City and could prove significant in their attempt to retain the title.

Manchester City are expected to face a sizeable points deduction unless they overturn a guilty verdict relating to more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. Arsenal’s victory therefore dealt a major blow to one of their most realistic title rivals.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s response after they were eliminated from the League Cup by fourth-tier Fleetwood on Tuesday.

“After the defeat against Fleetwood, it looks like the end of the world, it looks like what are we doing? Then you have to pick yourself up and understand that this is the beautiful part of this game,” said Arteta.

“The mission was something that we didn’t accomplish in 14 years and there were reasons for that.

“Some of them were psychological problems, some of them were related to the quality that we showed on the pitch, certain moments or decisions and we needed to nail absolutely all of them.”