---
title: "Liverpool Manager Frustrated Over Penalty Claims"
url: https://noti.group/liverpool-manager-frustrated-over-penalty-claims/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Sports"
published: 2026-11-01T21:25:01.000Z
updated: 2026-11-02T03:17:15.808Z
id: 63f4c6d0-d091-40b9-b723-0874ec08a386
source: "The Guardian Sport https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/01/andoni-iraola-responds-liverpool-penalty-denial-arsenal-premier-league"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/liverpool-manager-frustrated-over-penalty-claims/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Liverpool Manager Frustrated Over Penalty Claims

The manager expressed frustration after two penalty claims were dismissed during their match against Arsenal, with one claim being denied due to the player not reacting to being held.

Liverpool's manager Andoni Iraola has expressed frustration after two penalty claims were dismissed during their match against Arsenal at Anfield. The team fell short of securing a win despite having opportunities to score from the spot.

The first penalty claim was denied when Jurriën Timber pulled on Alexander Isak's shirt as he tried to reach Bradley Barcola's cross, but Isak chose not to fall to the ground in protest. This decision has been questioned by Iraola, who believes that players should simulate contact when fouled in the box.

Iraola acknowledged that if a player does not react to being held or pulled in the penalty area, it is less likely for the referee to award a penalty. He admitted that his team would need to adjust their tactics accordingly and instruct players to fall down when fouled in future matches.

Iraola's comments on the Isak penalty decision have sparked debate about consistency in refereeing decisions. He pointed out that referees often expect players to go down when fouled, suggesting this was a factor in the non-award of the penalty.

The manager acknowledged that his team might need to adjust their approach to match the referees' expectations. This could involve instructing players to fall down more readily after being fouled, even if they believe the contact is minimal or not deserving of a free kick.

Iraola's comments about Alex Isak's penalty claim highlighted the inconsistency in refereeing decisions. He argued that the pull on Isak was clear and that referees should award penalties when there is obvious interference with play.

The manager also accepted the reasoning behind dismissing the Gakpo penalty appeal, suggesting that sustained holding can be a legitimate reason for not awarding a free kick if the ball is in the air for an extended period.

The contrast between Iraola's post-match mood and his childhood friend Mikel Arteta was stark, as they discussed the contentious penalty decision that went against Isak. While Iraola was still fuming about the incident, Arteta seemed elated by his team's performance at Anfield.

Arteta explained that winning at Anfield brought him a sense of pride he hadn't experienced in a long time. He attributed this feeling to the challenging conditions under which Arsenal played, but also to the resilience and determination of his team. The manager praised his players for bouncing back from their midweek defeat against Fleetwood.

The Carabao Cup exit at Fleetwood had been a setback for Arteta's team, but they were able to put it behind them and secure a crucial win at Anfield just four days later. This victory marked Arsenal's first success on this ground in some time, and Arteta was proud of his players for rising to the challenge and performing under pressure.

Arsenal have now achieved something notable by winning at four grounds where they had previously failed to do so when securing the title last season, Anfield, Villa Park, the Stadium of Light, and the City Ground.

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta expressed pride in his team's defensive performance after they denied Liverpool a shot on target for the first time in 16 years.

The achievement was all the more remarkable given that Liverpool are known for their prolific shooting, and Arteta acknowledged that his team had to be particularly effective at blocking shots and denying space. According to Arteta, the key factors in Arsenal's success were a combination of psychological resilience, improved quality on the pitch, and better decision-making.

Arsenal's ability to navigate challenging periods and "suffer" through tough times has been crucial in their title-winning campaign, with Arteta noting that his team had to overcome various obstacles along the way.

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Source: [The Guardian Sport](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/01/andoni-iraola-responds-liverpool-penalty-denial-arsenal-premier-league)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/liverpool-manager-frustrated-over-penalty-claims/