English Premier League
“Dreadful”-Liverpool fans angered by the penalty decisions that went against them at the Emirates
“Dreadful”-Liverpool fans angered by the penalty decisions that went against them at the Emirates
Sunday’s match between Arsenal and Liverpool turned out to be a classic, with the home team winning 3-2 following a controversial decision.
Two contentious penalty rulings, both of which went against Liverpool, may have changed the outcome. Gabriel Martinelli’s early goal gave the Gunners a 1-0 lead early in the first half, while referee Michael Oliver denied the other Gabriel’s plea for a penalty.
Gabriel appeared to have handled Jota’s attempted cross within his own penalty area during the incident, with the Arsenal defender’s arm in an unnaturally high position.
However, after a VAR check, no penalty was awarded.
Darwin Nunez would finally level the game for Liverpool, but Bukayo Saka’s close-range tap-in would put the hosts ahead just before halftime.
The Reds would tie the game once more in the second half, but the draw wouldn’t last long.
Gabriel Jesus attempted to shoot in the 75th minute, but Thiago Alcantara was ruled to have kicked the Brazilian’s calf inside the Liverpool box.
Many Liverpool fans on Twitter were shocked when the penalty kick was given in this case.
The majority of fans’ biggest complaint was that, despite the Brazilian’s arm being over his head, Gabriel’s handball in the first half wasn’t called a violation.
That is a handball. pic.twitter.com/CwqF3a6NGD
— Kendall Rowan (@kendallrowanx) October 9, 2022
The decision to awarded Arsenal the penalty in the second half proved divisive, as many pundits and ex-players also thought it wasn’t a penalty.
Saka slotted home from the penalty spot, and Arsenal survived an excruciatingly long added-time period to seal a famous 3-2 win – and three vitally important points.
The victory returns Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the Premier League table, as they now lead Manchester City by a single point.
One enraged Liverpool fan wrote on Twitter: “I think I’m done with football! We have more technology in the game than we’ve ever had, yet the officials get it so wrong time after time! Blatant handball in the first half, nothing given. 50 50 ball in the second half, penalty to Arsenal. Dreadful refereeing!”
“poor refereeing, if that’s a penalty then #LFC should’ve got penalty the other side! Klopp has got it wrong this time round, why take off Salah, Jota is the one that should’ve been off!
Another added: “Arsenal got the soft penalty and Liverpool were denied the obvious one.”
The defeat lives Liverpool in 10th place in the table staggering 14 points behind the gunners. The Reds will now face Manchester City next weekend as they look to bounce back from the worst start to the season in a decade.
In other news, Highlights: Watch Full highlights Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool as the Gunners return top of the table