Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has said he will tell Alexander Isak to go to ground next time after being denied a “clear” penalty in the defeat to Arsenal.

Sunday’s huge Premier League showdown at Anfield was settled by Kai Havertz’s solitary goal, but the general consensus - at least in the Sky Sports studio - was that Liverpool should have awarded a chance to equalise.

The controversial moment took place in the 21st minute when Isak appeared to have his shirt pulled in the box by Jurrien Timber.

While replays showed contact was enough to stop the in-form Liverpool striker from connecting with the cross, referee Andy Madley opted to not point to the spot and VAR agreed with the on-field decision.

This came shortly after Liverpool had another penalty appeal turned down when Cody Gakpo went to ground under a challenge from Christos Tzolis.

Speaking after the game, Iraola said he could understand why the apparent foul on the Dutchman was not given but insisted Timber should have been penalised for stopping Isak from getting a shot on target.

“The Alex one is a clear penalty,” Iraola told Sky Sports. “We can all see that [Timber] holds the t-shirt and the ball just goes one centimetre in front of Alex.

“Alex is going to hit the ball in front of the goal.

“So because he does not go to the floor, you are not going to call the penalty? I don’t understand it.”

Iraola was then asked if Isak should have made more of the pull as the Liverpool striker, instead of appealing for the decision, appeared to have words with Timber as the pair jogged alongside each other.

"The fact that you are even asking me that he should have gone to the floor, that's the thing,” the Spaniard added.

“If he goes to the floor, they call the penalty for me. They call the penalty 100%.”

Iraola finished up by saying he will “definitely” tell Isak to make more of any contact inside the box in the future.

Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, meanwhile said he could not believe the incident was not spotted even with so many cameras inside the stadium.

"I've seen it back, yes. And I've seen it given as well on other occasions. Today it wasn't meant to be,” Van Dijk said.

"The VAR doesn't notice it? There are 50 cameras. Even more. Why does he have to complain when there are so many cameras?

"It is spotted because everyone's seen it. In the end, it wasn't given and we lose the game unfortunately, so well done to Arsenal."