Arsenal Defeats Liverpool 1 At Anfield
“One of the best goalscorers in the league is pulled back seven yards out and it stops him heading the ball – why does he need to make a meal of it? VAR, do your job,” Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said following a flashpoint during Arsenal’s match against Liverpool. Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday, November 1, 2026, thanks to an early goal from Kai Havertz, moving three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
The fixture featured intense action and two major VAR controversies involving penalty shouts and a late red-card check. Havertz settled the contest early by finishing off a low cross from Declan Rice at the far post. The result marks Arsenal’s first win at Anfield in 14 years and leaves Liverpool nine points off the pace after nine matches.
Jurrien Timber Penalty Appeal Ignored Against Alexander Isak
In the first half, Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was pulled back by his shirt by Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber as he attempted to meet a ball in the penalty area. Neither on-field referee Andy Madley nor the Video Assistant Referee awarded a penalty. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola stated after the match that Isak would have earned a penalty had he gone to ground, adding that he will instruct his players to fall down in future situations. Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey wrote in his SunSport column that the incident was a clear penalty. Virgil van Dijk questioned why the incident went unpunished given the number of camera angles available, while Mikel Arteta declined to comment after stating he had not yet reviewed the footage.
#LIVARS – 79’The referee’s call of no violent conduct by Madueke on Mac Allister was checked and confirmed by VAR.VAR: “All of the situations have been checked and cleared. There is some contact as Madueke and Mac Allister square-up. In my opinion, it's not forceful, not…”
Alexis Mac Allister and Noni Madueke Clash Late
Late in the second match half, tempers flared when Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister fouled Martin Odegaard and slapped the Arsenal captain on the back of the head. Noni Madueke rushed over and the two players went head-to-head, leading Mac Allister to fall to the floor holding his face. Referee Andy Madley booked Mac Allister and Jurrien Timber while VAR official Stuart Attwell reviewed the incident involving Madueke, who was already on a yellow card.
The Premier League Match Centre explained the decision on X, stating that the referee’s call of no violent conduct by Madueke was checked and confirmed because the contact during the square-up was not forceful, violent, or brutal. Pundit Jamie Carragher criticized Mac Allister’s reaction on Sky Sports, calling it a joke and expressing relief that Madueke avoided a red card. Gary Neville similarly praised VAR for recognizing that the Liverpool midfielder’s fall was embarrassing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Anfield Clash
How did Kai Havertz score the winning goal?
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the match by finishing off a low cross delivered to the far post by teammate Declan Rice during the early stages of the encounter.
What did the Premier League Match Centre say about Noni Madueke’s clash with Alexis Mac Allister?
The Premier League Match Centre stated that VAR checked the incident and confirmed no violent conduct occurred, noting that the contact between the two players was not forceful, violent, or brutal.
Who are Arsenal and Liverpool playing next in Europe?
Both clubs return to UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday, with Arsenal traveling to face Slavia Prague and Liverpool visiting Fenerbahce.
“I want Liverpool to win the game, but I’m delighted he didn’t get sent off,” Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports regarding the late confrontation.