Iraola tells Liverpool to go down after Isak penalty denied in Arsenal loss

Andoni Iraola has urged Liverpool players to go down in the box after Alexander Isak was denied a penalty during Arsenal's 1-0 win at Anfield, the Gunners' first victory there in 14 years. The decisive goal came from Kai Havertz's early strike after a poor clearance by goalkeeper Alisson. Liverpool had two penalty appeals dismissed by referee Andy Madley. The first involved a shirt-pull by Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber on Isak, preventing the Sweden international from reaching Bradley Barcola's cross. The second, a hold by Christos Tzolis on Cody Gakpo, was reviewed by VAR Stuart Attwell but rejected. Iraola expressed frustration, saying, "If you don't go down, you don't call it," implying that referees only award penalties when players fall. This loss impacts Liverpool's title race, as dropped points at home could prove costly in a tight Premier League season. The outcome underscores ongoing debates about VAR consistency and the pressure on players to exaggerate contact to get decisions.