Arsenal have received mixed assessments of the refereeing decisions during their 1-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool at Anfield, with former referee Dermot Gallagher suggesting that Jurrien Timber was fortunate to escape conceding a penalty.

According to a report by the Evening Standard on Monday, November 2, 2026, the Gunners’ historic victory, which marked their first Premier League win at Anfield since 2012, was accompanied by several controversial incidents involving Timber, Noni Madueke and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

One of the biggest talking points came when Liverpool striker Alexander Isak attempted to reach a cross inside Arsenal’s penalty area but appeared to have his shirt pulled by Timber.

Despite Liverpool’s protests, referee Andy Madley refused to award a penalty, while VAR officials also decided against recommending an on-field review.

After examining the available footage, Gallagher suggested that the officials could have reached a different conclusion.

He explained that the referee’s initial viewing angle did not clearly reveal the shirt pull, whereas another camera angle available to VAR provided stronger evidence of the contact.

Gallagher acknowledged that Timber had taken a significant risk by pulling Isak’s shirt and questioned whether the defender’s actions had prevented the Liverpool striker from reaching the ball. He ultimately concluded that the Arsenal defender was fortunate not to be penalised.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood also questioned the decision, expressing surprise that VAR did not intervene and recommend a penalty for Liverpool.

Another controversial moment occurred in the second half when Madueke and Mac Allister became involved in a physical confrontation. The Liverpool midfielder went to ground holding his face, appearing to suggest that he had been struck by the Arsenal winger.

Former footballer Jay Bothroyd criticised Mac Allister’s reaction, describing it as embarrassing and questioning whether the contact justified such a response.

Bothroyd also expressed frustration with players who exaggerate physical confrontations by falling to the ground and covering their faces.

Meanwhile, Gallagher examined another incident involving Mac Allister and Ezri Konsa, during which the Liverpool midfielder made a potentially dangerous challenge.

Although Mac Allister appeared to make contact with the ball, Gallagher warned that the tackle could have resulted in serious punishment if Konsa had been caught by the challenge.

He maintained that the Liverpool midfielder would have been in considerable trouble had the contact with his opponent been more severe.

Despite the various refereeing controversies, Arsenal held on to their narrow victory at Anfield, strengthening their position at the top of the Premier League table.

The incidents have nevertheless generated further debate about officiating standards, VAR intervention and the consistency of refereeing decisions in English football.