Iraola: I truly don't understand how the referee saw Isak pulled but didn't award a penalty

After a 0-1 home defeat to Arsenal in the 9th round of the Premier League, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola spoke to the British media about the team's performance, the controversial penalty incidents involving Isak and Gakpo, Trey Nyoni's first Premier League start, and the team's title prospects.

Reporter: Andoni, this was undoubtedly a frustrating day.

Andoni Iraola: Yes, because we obviously wanted a different result today. I think the main problem was at the start of the game. I was very unhappy with the first 15 minutes, but I liked the team's reaction afterwards. After conceding, perhaps because there was nothing left to lose, everyone played more freely and bravely.

I think we turned the game around in the first half and finished the first half very well. In the second half, we gave it our all, but we just couldn't get that equalizer.

Reporter: At halftime, were you incredulous that the team hadn't scored?

Andoni Iraola: Yes, because we had good chances. Wirtz hit the crossbar, and there were many excellent attacking opportunities that we couldn't convert, including a lot of set pieces.

I think we pinned them back, and of course, they are a good team with a very tight defensive system, but I think we should have done better, and we definitely deserved to score at least one goal.

Reporter: Several alleged penalty calls were dismissed by the referee. Can I ask you specifically about the incident where Isak's shirt was pulled? The referee seemed to miss it completely.

Andoni Iraola: No, they saw it, they just didn't award it. Everyone saw the shirt pull, because there was a clear pull, the defender grabbed the shirt. The ball happened to fly in front of Isak, and he was about to head it into the goal, but he was prevented by the opponent pulling his shirt.

I really don't understand why it wasn't a penalty, probably because he didn't fall. Later, there was also a penalty controversy with Gakpo; the defender pulled his shirt for longer, but their explanation was that Gakpo couldn't have reached the pass anyway, which I can understand.

But with Isak's ball, he just needed a flick to score past the goalkeeper. The only reason was that he didn't fall. The defender pulled his shirt, and with all the slow-motion replays available now, I really can't understand why this wasn't given.

Reporter: So what's the solution? Because we don't want to see players falling over easily, but if they have to fall to get a call...

Andoni Iraola: The answer is obvious, you have to fall. If you don't fall, they won't award it; at least falling gives you a chance to get a decision. I think anyone who understands football can see that.

Why was Isak pulled? Because he was about to score, he was about to complete a header. The defender didn't need much force, just a slight pull was enough to disrupt the header. But the referee just ignored it, that's how it is.

Reporter: As you said, there were many positives in the team's performance today. Can you separate the result from the process now?

Andoni Iraola: Yes, of course. To be fair, I really appreciate the players' reaction after going 0-1 down. We made a mistake in a goal kick that led to the goal, but then we played an extremely good first half and maintained that pressure and attacking momentum until the end of the game. I really appreciate our pressing in many phases and the intensity we showed, it's just a shame we couldn't make it 1-1.

Reporter: Giving Trey Nyoni his first Premier League start was a big decision, what did he bring to the team today?

Andoni Iraola: To be honest, I think he played very well. His performance was remarkable. After the unexpected situation with Gravenberch – he had some heel issues, and we'll have to see if we can count on him for the next game, we didn't want to risk him – Nyoni stepped up and delivered a very good performance.

Reporter: Before the game, there was talk that if Liverpool won today, they would be directly in the title race. Now the gap has stretched to 9 points, are you still thinking about the title race?

Andoni Iraola: We must keep going and keep fighting for good results. I think the season has only just begun, and it's too early to talk about the title. Clearly, Arsenal are in the most advantageous position right now, but it's only November. There are still many games to play, and we must continue to work hard and give our all.