Paul Merson and Jamie Redknapp have said the decision by Michael Oliver to award Arsenal a penalty in the second half against Liverpool was "soft".
The Gunners raced into the lead at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday courtesy of a fine Gabriel Martinelli finish but Liverpool recovered after their slow start to equalise through Darwin Nunez in the 34th minute. Arsenal regained the lead during first-half stoppage time when Bukayo Saka stabbed the ball home from close range only for Roberto Firmino to level things at 2-2 soon after the restart.
There was, though, more late drama when Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after Thiago Alcantara brought Gabriel Jesus down inside the visitors' area after knocking the back of the striker's heel when challenging for a cross. As tempers flared on the field, Oliver's decision to award the penalty was upheld by VAR, and Saka slotted home the spot-kick.
