Andoni Iraola Vows to Tell Alexander Isak to 'Go to the Floor' After Missed Arsenal Penalty

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola stated he will tell Alexander Isak to go down when fouled after VAR Stuart Attwell failed to award a penalty for a shirt pull by Jurriën Timber.

Kai Havertz scored the only goal on Sunday as Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory at Anfield, their first win at the stadium since September 2012. The result moved the Gunners three points clear at the top of the table. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed frustration after referee Andy Madley and VAR Stuart Attwell declined to award a first-half penalty when Jurriën Timber pulled Alexander Isak’s shirt as the striker attempted to head a Bradley Barcola cross.

Following the match, Iraola told Sky Sports he will "definitely" instruct Isak to go to the floor in future similar situations. The manager argued that because Isak stayed on his feet to confront Timber rather than diving, the officials ignored a clear foul. Iraola claimed that had the forward gone to ground, a spot kick would have been awarded "100%."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk supported his manager's view, noting that despite the presence of 50 cameras, the foul was overlooked. The Reds also saw appeals for a penalty dismissed following a separate tussle between Cody Gakpo and Christos Tzolis. The defeat ended a long-standing home unbeaten streak against the North London side.