Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola revealed he will instruct striker Alexander Isak to "dive on the floor" in future matches, following a controversial moment in the team's 1-0 defeat against Arsenal. Both Iraola and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk have spoken out against VAR after what they deemed a "clear penalty" was not awarded.
The incident occurred shortly after Arsenal's Kai Havertz scored the opening goal. As Liverpool's Alexander Isak attempted to head a cross from Bradley Barcola, he appeared to have his shirt pulled by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber. Despite the clear tug, referee Andy Madley did not award a penalty, and VAR chose not to intervene.
Speaking after the match, Iraola expressed his bewilderment. "The Alex one is a clear penalty. You hold the shirt, we can all see that he holds the shirt. Because he doesn't go to the floor, you are not going to call the penalty. I don't understand it," he stated. He added, "The fact that you are even asking me if he should go to the floor, if he goes to the floor, they call the penalty 100 percent."
When asked if he would advise Isak to exaggerate contact in the future, the Liverpool manager confirmed, "Yes, definitely."
Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, stating, "I think it was a clear penalty. I've seen it back and I've seen it being given. Today it wasn't meant to be." He questioned the reliance on players making a dramatic reaction, asking, "We have 50 cameras. Why does he have to complain when there are so many cameras? Everyone has seen it."
Sky Sports pundits, including Jamie Carragher, Daniel Sturridge, and Ian Wright, reportedly agreed at halftime that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty. Carragher criticized the decision, saying, "One of the best goal-scorers in the league is pulled back seven yards from goal, and the pull back stops him heading the ball. Why does he need to make a meal of it? VAR, do your job."
The defeat saw Arsenal move to the top of the Premier League table with 24 points, while Liverpool remained in fifth place.