Iraola urges players to dive following VAR penalty snub

Arsenal secured a significant 1-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday, moving three points clear at the top of the Premier League. The game was decided by an early Kai Havertz goal, but the aftermath has been dominated by a contentious VAR decision involving Liverpool striker Alexander Isak.

During the first half, Isak appeared to have his shirt pulled by Arsenal's Jurrien Timber while attempting to reach a cross. Despite the clear contact, referee Andy Madley did not award a penalty, and VAR opted not to intervene. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his frustration, noting that with 50 cameras available, such incidents should be easily spotted.

The call to dive

"The answer is you have to dive, if you don't dive they won't call it."

Andoni Iraola

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola admitted he will now tell his players to go to the floor in similar situations to ensure they receive the decisions they deserve. While Isak remained honest and stayed on his feet, Iraola believes that integrity is being punished by the current officiating standards. The result leaves Arsenal in a strong position, while Liverpool are left to reflect on a match where they failed to record a single shot on target.

"We have 50 cameras. Why does he have to complain when there are so many cameras?"

Virgil van Dijk