But Liverpool were left aggrieved after Alexander Isak was pulled back by Jurrien Timber as he attempted to meet Bradley Barcola’s cross midway through the first half. The defending Premier League champions moved to the top of the table and nine points clear of Liverpool after their first win at Anfield in 14 years.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said it is a “shame” there is no reward for honesty after his side were controversially denied a penalty in a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
“It’s a shame you ask me this question. The Swedish striker did not go to ground and, as a result, neither the referee nor VAR intervened to award a spot-kick. Because they are not going to call it otherwise,” said Iraola after only his second defeat since taking charge of the Reds, but honestly, yes, we have to tell them to go down.
Arteta was delighted by his side’s reaction after bowing out of the League Cup in embarrassing fashion to fourth-tier Fleetwood on Tuesday. “We had good chances – we hit the crossbar and had good situations we were not able to finish. We definitely deserved a goal,” added Iraola. “After the defeat against Fleetwood, it looks like the end of the world, it looks like what are we doing?
But with City expected to be hit with a huge points deduction unless they overturn a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges of breaking Premier League financial rules, Arsenal dealt a major blow to one of their most realistic title rivals.
Then you have to pick yourself up and understand that this is the beautiful part of this game,” said Arteta.
