Liverpool midfiekder Alexis Mac Allister was involved in a heated altercation with Arsenal's Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke

Gary Neville has lamented Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as 'embarrassing' after his role in an altercation against Arsenal.

The Argentine was left unimpressed by Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, appearing to tap the Norwegian on the head, before Timber and Noni Madueke confronted the Reds star for his action. Madueke went head-to-head with Mac Allister, leaving the latter in a heap, but the Englishman avoided action.

Both Timber and Mac Allister were cautioned for their roles in the scuffle while the video assistant referee checked and cleared the incident.

Neville was far from complimentary about the reaction from Mac Allister. He said: “I don't think Mac Allister needs to go down like that but there's a little nudge with the head. A little inch forward can cost you a lot.

“Mac Allister's reaction is a bit over the top, I can tell you that. Get up. Embarrassing.

“It's Mac Allister's fault because he slaps Odegaard when he's down which is unnecessary. It's the little movement forward of Madueke's head they're looking at.

“I hope they don't go for a red card for it. Well done to VAR because they're recognised that Mac Allister going down is embarrassing.

“He [the VAR] said that, but in a posher way."

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Stuart Attwell was in Stockley Park as video assistant referee. In a transcript posted by Premier League Match Centre, Attwell felt Madueke's action in the square-up wasn't forceful or violent.

He said: “All of the situations have been checked and cleared. There is some contact as Madueke and Mac Allister square-up. In my opinion, it's not forceful, not violent, not brutal."

Kai Havertz's effort after 16 minutes proved to be decisive as the Premier League champions moved back to the top of the table. Liverpool put the hosts under pressure with Mac Allister's first-half header their best opening, but he could only power a header over.

The Gunners moved to frustrate the hosts in the second-half as they remained defensively resolute to deny Liverpool from forcing David Raya into a single save in the contest.

The Reds had a strong penalty shout turned away after Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Alexander Isak, hampering his efforts to head a Bradley Barcola cross goalwards.

Liverpool will finish the weekend outside the top four after Chelsea's 2-0 win over Manchester United helped Xabi Alonso's side into the Champions League places.

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