Iraola says Liverpool should have had penalty in Arsenal loss

Andoni Iraola said Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Alexander Isak, but he acknowledged that the team's start was the problem in a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

Kai Havertz scored in the 16th minute, and Iraola said the opening stage had fallen below the level of the game. He praised the reaction after conceding, saying the team had responded well and put Arsenal under big pressure in the first half.

On the appeals, Iraola said: "I think the [Alexander] Isak one is a clear penalty." He said Isak was left grabbed in full view while heading in front of goal. He was less certain about a second appeal involving Cody Gakpo, but argued that Liverpool could not accept one claim and reject the other.

Iraola also pointed to missed chances. Alexis Mac Allister's header and a crossbar strike were the clearest openings, and he said his side had created plenty of inside-the-box opportunities without finishing them. Liverpool sit fifth in the table with 15 points from nine league matches.

Asked about fine margins, Iraola said: "Definitely it is very important." He added that small details decide close games and that Liverpool had to correct their start.

In the second half, Iraola said his side had good spells after conceding but lacked the clarity to finish. He made changes with Rio Ngumoha, Victor Munoz and Dominik Szoboszlai, looking for a goal from a different source, but Arsenal defended well.