Isak’s measured view on the Arsenal penalty that denied Liverpool a chance at Anfield and sparked a VAR controversy and still fuels debate

Swedish striker Alexander Isak has spoken about the denied penalty against Arsenal at Anfield, saying he felt a slight shirt‑pull but was focused on scoring as Liverpool trailed 1‑0 in the first half. The incident, involving Jurrien Timber, sparked a VAR debate and a later Premier League panel ruling that a penalty should have been awarded.

Liverpool were 1‑0 down in the first half when Conor Bradley delivered a cross for Isak.

As Isak moved to attack the cross, Jurrien Timber tugged his shirt, disrupting his run.

Replay footage clearly showed the shirt‑pull and the chance was lost.

Referee Andy Madley waved play on and VAR did not intervene.

Both the referee and VAR got it wrong, according to the match commentary.

The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel later ruled that Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty and that VAR should have intervened.

Isak discussed the incident while on international duty with Sweden, offering a clear reaction.

He said, “Yeah, looking back, I suppose it does look that way that it should have been a penalty, but when you’re in the moment, you don’t always perceive exactly what’s happening.”

He added, “I could feel myself being pulled a bit, but not to the extent that it appears later on.”

He also remarked, “I mean, I was focused on scoring.”

Isak further explained, “It’s hard to try to score and then fall down at the same time.”

He continued, “I was so locked in on the goal that I didn’t really register it.”

On simulation, Isak stated, “I don’t think there’s any need to embellish or go down on purpose.”

He added, “Sure, if I’d had a better read on the situation, I might have made sure the referee noticed it, that’s about all you can do, but I don’t believe you need to dive or exaggerate in situations like this.”

He concluded, “Perhaps it shouldn’t even matter that much, given that we have VAR and systems in place to make the decisive calls in these kinds of moments.”

Liverpool have every right to be angry about the missed call.

The officials had the tools, including VAR, but failed to use them properly.

The penalty decision will not be replayed and the points situation has already moved on.

The episode highlights issues with Premier League officiating more than it reflects on Isak.

If anything, the Liverpool striker emerged with credit while the referees did not.