Arsenal fans were left confused after believing they should have received a penalty in the first half against Liverpool.
Arsenal took an early lead with Bukayo Saka scoring in the ninth minute, outsmarting Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson before firing into the top of Caoimhín Kelleher’s net.
However, Liverpool quieted the home crowd with an equalizer just nine minutes later. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner was flicked on by Luis Diaz, allowing Virgil van Dijk to head it in.
In another twist, Declan Rice delivered a precise free-kick into the box in the 43rd minute, which Mikel Merino capitalized on, leaving the home fans feeling optimistic as they headed for half-time.
Despite a strong first half, Arsenal supporters voiced their belief that their team should have been awarded a penalty.
Around the half-hour mark, Gabriel Martinelli entered the Liverpool box and was challenged by Alexander-Arnold, followed by what appeared to be a foul from Ibrahima Konaté, but referee Anthony Taylor dismissed their appeals.
One fan commented, “19 out of 20 teams get a penalty except Arsenal.” Another said, “The game is gone.”
A third fan expressed, “I’ve genuinely never seen a more obvious penalty; Konaté goes right through Martinelli without touching the ball, with Trent there too. What on earth?” A fourth added, “Blatant penalty, but it’s Arsenal, so play on.”
Even Manchester United fans weighed in after their own team conceded a late penalty in their 2-1 loss to West Ham on Sunday.
One fan stated, “That’s a penalty for Arsenal, but they won’t give it because it’s against Liverpool and not Manchester United. Unlucky Arsenal.”
The atmosphere at the Emirates quickly shifted from excitement to concern when center-back Gabriel had to be substituted due to a potential injury.
Jakub Kiwior came on as a makeshift central defender alongside Ben White, who was already filling in for the suspended William Saliba.
The severity of Gabriel’s injury is still unknown, and Mikel Arteta will likely address it after the match.
In response to the penalty appeals, the Premier League released a statement via their Match Centre X account, stating, “The referee’s decision of no penalty for the challenge by Konaté on Martinelli was checked and confirmed by VAR, which deemed that Konaté won the ball.”
