“I don’t know how” – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp left PERPLEXED after referee did not award penalty for Martin Odegaard ‘handball’

Jurgen Klopp feels that Martin Odegaard's 'handball' should've been a penalty.

“I don’t know how” – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp left PERPLEXED after referee did not award penalty for Martin Odegaard ‘handball’

Jurgen Klopp had his say on the handball incident post Liverpool vs Arsenal. (Via X/@ThePaulMachin & FabrizioRomano)

It remains safe to say that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was not impressed with refereeing decisions made during Liverpool vs Arsenal. The Reds felt wrongly done when Chris Kavanagh chose not to award the hosts a spot-kick for Martin Odegaard‘s handling of the ball inside the box. Klopp went on a long rant as to how the call failed to make sense.

The controversial moment came in the first half when Liverpool were awarded a free-kick from just outside the penalty area. Mohamed Salah picked up the ball as Odegaard slipped while closing down the Egyptian. He seemed to move his arm in the direction of the ball as he fell, but that did not convince the referee. To add to their frustration, Arsenal defender William Saliba also admitted that it should have been a penalty.

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Jurgen Klopp‘s post-match interview featured a few sly digs at the referee and his decisions.

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The penalty situation is weird. I don't know how someone can look at it and not give a penalty. I'm pretty sure someone will explain to me how it's not handball, but I don't know how.
Jurgen Klopp on the handball incident

The German gaffer further took a dig at the retired referee, Dermot Gallagher as well for his analysis of the whole decision. Klopp said:

I wait until Mr Dermot [Gallagher, on Sky Sports] explains the next day what's really the case. He will find a way to explain it was not a handball! For me it's a clear handball.

Klopp also added that the incident was worth taking a second look by VAR, which it did not. The game ended in the finest of margins, and either Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot or the unawarded penalty came in as the difference between the sides.

Mikel Arteta buzzing after Arsenal grab crucial point against Liverpool

Mikel Arteta and co. put up a strong performance against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The Gunners took the early lead against Liverpool, but Mohamed Salah ensured that Liverpool did not let go in the race for the top spot. A video of the two coaches in a warm embrace, mouthing the words ‘Wow, wow, wow’ summed up the entire match.

Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta at full-time
Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta at full-time (Via X/@brfootball)

Arteta’s post-match conference featured him showering some strong words of praise on his players. The game featured two spectacular goals, seven yellow cards, one broken collarbone, and a controversial penalty check. Arsenal put up a strong defensive display, shutting out Mo Salah and co. from scoring a winner. After the game, Arteta reflected on his team’s progress and what it meant to sit atop the table at this point in the season.

It was one of the most hectic games I've witnessed in this league. The courage and belief to play at this level deserve praise.
Mikel Arteta on Liverpool vs Arsenal game

He praised his team for performing well in the tough league but mentioned some areas that need improvement, noting that despite their dominance, they struggle to secure clear victories. Currently leading the Premier League, Arsenal will play against West Ham United after the Christmas break.

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