Arsenal supporters were far from pleased.
Arsenal fans were left bewildered, believing they deserved a first-half penalty against Liverpool.
Arsenal took an early lead when Bukayo Saka outmaneuvered Liverpool’s left-back Andrew Robertson in the ninth minute, firing into the top of Caoimhín Kelleher’s net.
However, Liverpool quickly quieted the home crowd, equalizing just nine minutes later. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner was flicked on by Luis Diaz, allowing Virgil van Dijk to head it in.
But, in another turn of events, at the 43rd minute, Declan Rice delivered a precise free-kick into the box, which Mikel Merino seized upon, boosting the home fans’ confidence as they headed for their half-time refreshments.
Despite an encouraging first half, Arsenal fans voiced frustration, believing their team deserved a penalty in the opening period.
Around the 30th minute, Gabriel Martinelli entered Liverpool’s box and encountered a challenge from Alexander-Arnold. Ibrahima Konaté then seemed to bring the Brazilian down with the follow-through, but referee Anthony Taylor dismissed any appeals.
Fans shared their opinions on social media.
One fan commented, “Nineteen out of twenty teams get that penalty—except Arsenal.”
Another added, “The game is gone.”
A third wrote, “I’ve genuinely never seen a more obvious penalty in my life. Konate goes straight through Martinelli with no contact on the ball, and Trent’s there too. What on earth?”
A fourth agreed, “Clear penalty, but it’s Arsenal, so play on.”
Even Manchester United fans weighed in, especially after their team conceded a late penalty in a 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday.
One United fan remarked, “That’s a penalty for Arsenal, but they won’t give it because it’s against Liverpool, not Manchester United. Unlucky, Arsenal.”
At the Emirates, the atmosphere shifted quickly from excitement to concern when Gabriel was forced off with a possible knock, prompting Jakub Kiwior to step in as an improvised center-back. Ben White, already covering for the suspended William Saliba, moved alongside him. The full extent of Gabriel’s injury is still unknown, but Mikel Arteta will likely be asked about it post-game.
The Premier League addressed the penalty claims with a statement on the Premier League Match Centre X account, stating: “The referee’s decision of no penalty for the challenge by Konate on Martinelli was reviewed and confirmed by VAR, which determined that Konate had won the ball.”
