Isak's Penalty Situation and Madueke-Mac Allister Head Clash Spark Debate

Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield. An early goal from Kai Havertz gave the Gunners their first win at this ground in 14 years. VAR's two major incidents in the match became the focus of commentators.

In the first half, Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber. Isak did not react and did not fall. Neither the on-field referees nor VAR judged it a foul.

Studio commentators discussed this incident. Jamie Carragher questioned why a goalscorer who was pulled back from seven yards out in front of goal, preventing a header, did not overreact, and he called for VAR to do its job. Ian Wright argued that the pull was enough for a penalty and that VAR had got this decision wrong. Gary Neville found Isak's reaction unusual. Daniel Sturridge pointed out that Timber's arm was clearly stretched and that he was holding the player, which everyone could see.

In the second major incident of the match, Alexis Mac Allister fell to the ground after his head made contact with Noni Madueke's. VAR reviewed the incident, but did not send off the Arsenal player Madueke.