Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions came under scrutiny following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool in their Premier League encounter at Anfield on Sunday, with two incidents prompting debate among former players and football analysts.

Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the match in the 16th minute, converting Declan Rice’s low cross to give Arsenal a lead they maintained until the final whistle.

The first major controversy occurred in the opening half when Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber appeared to pull Liverpool striker Alexander Isak’s shirt as he attempted to reach a cross inside the penalty area.

Neither the referee nor VAR awarded a penalty, despite replays showing Timber holding the forward back. Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher questioned the decision, arguing that the contact prevented Isak from making an attempt on goal.

Former Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola also described the incident as a clear penalty, suggesting that Isak’s failure to go to ground may have influenced the officials’ response.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed disappointment, saying similar incidents had resulted in penalties on other occasions.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta declined to comment on the decision, saying he had not watched the incident again.

A second flashpoint occurred late in the match when Arsenal winger Noni Madueke confronted Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister following a foul on Martin Odegaard.

During the exchange, the players made forehead contact, after which Mac Allister fell to the ground holding his face. Referee Andy Madley booked Mac Allister and Timber, while Madueke escaped a red card.

VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the referee’s decision, determining that the contact did not amount to violent conduct.

Former players, including Carragher, Gary Neville and Daniel Sturridge, supported the decision not to dismiss Madueke, although they criticised Mac Allister’s reaction.

The incidents highlighted the contrasting impact of VAR, which is intended to correct clear and obvious errors but continues to attract scrutiny over its interpretation of physical contact and players’ reactions.

Despite Liverpool’s efforts to find an equaliser, Arsenal held on to secure their first league victory at Anfield in 14 years.