Arsenal Ends 14-Year Anfield Winless Streak, but Referees Face Questions
The Gunners won 1-0 to claim their first victory at Liverpool since 2012, while a disputed shirt pull on Alexander Isak sparked debate over the VAR decision.
By John Ferrari ·
Arsenal recorded a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday, ending a winless run at that venue that stretched back to 2012. It was the club's first win there in 14 years, a result that reinforced their status as an elite defensive unit. The scoreline was low, but the context was high for a team looking to consolidate its position in the Premier League.
The match drew immediate scrutiny regarding a penalty call. Jurrien Timber pulled the shirt of Alexander Isak, an action many viewed as a clear foul. Referee Andy Madley did not award the spot kick, and VAR official Stuart Attwell did not signal for a review. The source argues that Law 12 of the rules suggests the incident could have been a denial of goal-scoring opportunity. In such cases, if the referee awards a penalty, the offender is sent off for holding or pulling. The failure to send the player to the monitor remains a point of contention for analysts.
Andoni Iraola, the Liverpool manager, did not express strong dissatisfaction with the decision in his post-game remarks. However, the source suggests that the team's performance was affected by the lack of quality in midfield. Liverpool conceded 17 shots but kept Arsenal to zero shots on target, a statistical first for the home side. Despite the defensive effort, the visitors managed only 0.30 expected goals after taking the lead. Declan Rice's run led to the decisive goal, which came from a well-executed press.
The result places Arsenal in a strong position, though the source notes that the team must create more chances if it aims to succeed in European competition. Defending against players like Lamine Yamal will require more than sitting deep. For Liverpool, the loss highlights a transition period. The team played with a midfield two, a tactical choice that proved difficult against Arsenal's physical approach. The return of Dominik Szoboszlai may help, but the squad is still learning under new management.
The weekend also saw other major outcomes. Manchester United lost 2-0 to Chelsea, extending their poor start to the season. They are now level on points with the third-bottom club, raising concerns about their place in the Premier League. The defeat was attributed to defensive errors by Lisandro Martinez and a collapse in the second half. Manager Michael Carrick remains under pressure, though the source suggests the issue extends beyond his tactics.
In Serie A, AC Milan defeated Inter 3-1 in the derby. The win capped a rapid recovery for the club following a loss to Bologna and the announcement of a new stadium plan. Diego Moreira scored a free kick, while Luka Modric and Christian Pulisic contributed to the attack. Inter struggled with injuries, forcing them to play a lone striker. Manager Christian Chivu cited a lack of intensity, but the team went two goals down within 10 minutes for the sixth time this season.
Bayern Munich drew 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund in the German classic. The result continues a pattern of Bayern being their own worst enemy in the race for the Bundesliga title. The match was described as one they should have won, adding to the narrative of a team that dominates the league but fails to convert dominance into consistent points. These results set the stage for the upcoming international break, with clubs across Europe adjusting their strategies for the second half of the campaign.
