Does VAR encourage diving, and why was Isak denied a penalty?

Yet another high-profile Premier League showdown has sparked fierce debate over the application of VAR and the persistent inconsistency in officiating decisions. Arsenal secured their first win at Anfield in 14 years to move to the summit of the table. However, Liverpool had several penalty appeals, none more glaring than a moment just after the 20-minute mark when Jurrien Timber pulled Alexander Isak's shirt, preventing the forward from heading home a Barcola cross from close range. The striker stayed on his feet and offered little protest, which many believe influenced the video assistant referee's decision not to intervene.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola admitted that going to ground appears to be decisive, suggesting it will inevitably shape his players' future conduct.

"This is a problem we now have in the game. He doesn't dive and he doesn't go down. The very fact you're asking me whether he should have gone down—and that had he done so, it would have been a 100% penalty—speaks volumes. It shouldn't be that way, but that's the reality. Next time, coaches will have to tell Alex to hit the deck, otherwise nothing will be given," Iraola said post-match.

Asked whether he would give that exact advice to Isak, the Spaniard replied: "Yes, definitely."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also expressed his astonishment that VAR failed to step in.

"In my view, that was a clear penalty. I watched the replay, and I've seen those given. Today, it just wasn't to be," he said. Asked if Isak should have reacted more dramatically, the Dutchman added: "We have 50 cameras. Why should he need to protest when there are so many cameras? Everyone saw it. In the end, the penalty wasn't awarded and unfortunately we lost the match, so congratulations to Arsenal."

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was left furious during his half-time analysis over the lack of VAR intervention: "One of the best goalscorers in the league is being held six yards from goal, and that pull stops him from getting a header away. Why does he have to make a meal of it just to get the referee's attention? VAR, do your job!"

Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge remarked: "If Isak makes more of that, it's a penalty."

Former referee Mark Halsey also believed VAR made a significant mistake on the play.

"Liverpool had a few penalty shouts in the first half. In my opinion, the first incident involving Christos Tzolis and Cody Gakpo wasn't enough for a spot-kick. But the situation with Jurrien Timber clearly pulling Alexander Isak's shirt is an undeniable penalty. I simply do not understand how VAR deemed that not to be a foul and failed to advise referee Andy Madley to review the monitor. If Timber hadn't pulled Isak's shirt, the Liverpool forward would have reached the ball. I was completely baffled that VAR didn't intervene at all."