Liverpool were defeated 1-0 at Anfield, with Kai Havertz scoring the winner, while Arsenal continued to consolidate their top position. Spanish coach Andoni IraIraola, after the result, declared that he wanted another result, recognizing the responsibility of his teams for the start of the match. “We conceded the goal and probably had nothing left to defend, so we played with more freedom,” he explained to BBC Sport, adding that Liverpool showed courage and tried to turn the game around in the first half, but failed to score in the second.
IraIraola also praised his players' reaction after the defeat, stressing that the team closed the first half very well and continued to push. “There were many moments of the match that struck me positively,” he said, recalling that the season is still at the beginning and that Arsenal are in an advantageous position, but that there are many games to play. Liverpool, after the defeat, find themselves in fifth position in the Premier League, 15 points behind Arsenal and with a differential of -9 points.
During the match a controversial episode emerged: Alexander Isak had his shirt held up inside the area, but the referee did not award a penalty. IraIraola expressed frustration, stating: "It was seen, there is a clear shirt hold. Alex was right in front of the referee, he was about to head it into the net but he couldn't do it because of the pulled shirt. I don't understand why they didn't blow the whistle, probably because he didn't go down to the ground." He added that although the episode with Gakpo had not been a penalty, the one with Isak had been. “You have to dive, if you don't dive they won't whistle,” he repeated, highlighting his dissatisfaction with the referee's decision.
Liverpool, who suffered defeat at their stadium, remain in a difficult position, while Arsenal continue to dominate the table. IraIraola closed the interview with a message of motivation, reminding his players that the season is still long and that the club must continue to fight to recover points. In the meantime, the English club remains awaiting any disciplinary decisions or review of refereeing decisions, while Liverpool prepares to focus on the next matches to try to get back up in the table.