Liverpool thought they were going to get a penalty against Arsenal, only to be left disappointed by the decision of VAR and the referee
Cody Gakpo went down under pressure from Christos Tzolis
Cody Gakpo went down under pressure from Christos Tzolis(Image: Premier League)
View Image
Gary Neville believes it was right Liverpool were not given a penalty when Arsenal forward Christos Tzolis pulled down Cody Gakpo.
Andoni Iraola's side were knocked back by Kai Havertz's first half goal at Anfield. They immediately refocussed and put the Gunners under pressure with their off the ball pressing and direct attacks.
Iraola, his staff and the entire capacity crowd at Anfield rose to their feet after Tzolis appeared to bring down Gakpo in the penalty area. The Dutchman looked to latch onto a lofted pass from Alexis Mac Allister, only to run into the Arsenal winger.
Make sure you never miss the latest Liverpool FC news and opinion by making Liverpool Echo one of your Google preferred sources
Liverpool line-ups vs Arsenal as Trey Nyoni and Milos Kerkez decisions made
There was contact between the pair, but referee Andy Madley immediately waved away Liverpool appeals. VAR did briefly have a look at the incident again, but chose to stick with Madley's original decision.
Neville then offered his instant verdict on the incident, saying on Sky Sports: "It was clumsy from Tzolis. I don't think Gakpo would've got there.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
"He was well ahead of him. There's not enough in it. Gakpo knows he's not going to get there so he goes down.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
However, there was an incident where Neville believed Liverpool should have had a penalty. Bradley Barcola whipped in an in-swinging cross which missed all the players in the area and only just missed the far post.
But as Alexander Isak made his run into the box, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber had grabbed onto his shirt. Neville was convinced this was a spot-kick, saying: "I was really surprised Isak did not make more of it because it was right in my eyeline.
"I saw it in real time and it's a clear pull. Why is he not shouting and screaming? He's almost laughing with Timber over it. He should be absolutely fuming, and going crazy, and trying to get the referee's attention."
Iraola could be seen arguing with the fourth official after both incidents. It was a huge moment of frustration for the Reds, who created several chances in the first half to score.
As well as the two penalty shouts, Florian Wirtz also rattled the crossbar with a fantastic free-kick. Alexis Mac Allister also missed a glorious opportunity to equalise when he guided a free header way over the crossbar.
There will be more to follow. We'll bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter/X at @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also on Facebook at LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up to one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here