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Ex-PGMOL chief makes his feelings clear over Jeremie Frimpong penalty call vs Arsenal
Referee Anthony Taylor was in a good position to judge the challenge on Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong inside Arsenal’s penalty area.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that there was “insufficient evidence” to award a spot-kick at the Emirates on Thursday, 8 January.
With Mohamed Salah away with Egypt on international duty, Frimpong has been trusted in the right-wing position, and he caused issues for the Gunners’ back line on the counter-attack.
In the 35th minute, Mikel Arteta‘s side played on while the 25-year-old went down holding his ankle, with Liverpool fans crying out for a penalty against Piero Hincapie, but calls fell upon deaf ears.
Hackett has criticised Taylor previously in the season, but the referee was applauded for his actions on this occasion, much to the frustration of travelling fans.
Anthony Taylor spot-on to deny Jeremie Frimpong penalty shout
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Referee Anthony Taylor is in a good position, and there is insufficient evidence that there is contact. Therefore, play was allowed to continue.
“VAR, at this point, is in a position to look at various camera angles to seek and determine if the referee has made a clear and obvious error. There was no request for the referee to visit the pitch-side monitor.
In real time, there appeared to barely be a touch on the player, but upon watching the replays, there did appear to be a slight tangle of ankles, but unlikely to be enough for a penalty.
Liverpool could have been awarded a penalty in the second half
After picking up the first caution of the game, Leandro Trossard was involved once again, almost giving away a spot-kick just three minutes into the second half.
Bundling Florian Wirtz over in the box, Gary Neville blasted the player’s “clumsy” challenge, labelling it a “risk,” but after a VAR check, the Gunners got away with another controversial incident.
There were several controversial incidents during the game, but this was likely the most dangerous, with Trossard already walking a tightrope, having picked up his yellow card in the 12th minute.
While a VAR check ruled that the referee got the right decision, many will be in disagreement, and those arguments are bound to continue well beyond the final whistle.
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Full confirmed list of Arsenal ins and outs in January transfer window as first deal announced
Arsenal transfer ins and outs as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta get to work in the January window
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal remain in the driving seat to clinch the Premier League title crown this season – and they could strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad to bolster their chances.
Phillip Schofield’s latest replacement revealed as Holly Willoughby gets new co-host
Whether or not the right players are out there remains to be seen, but with Arteta enduring several injury blows already this season – particularly in defence – the manager will be keeping a close eye on potential targets.
The Gunners splashed the cash in the summer, bringing in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera to the Emirates Stadium – so a loan deal might favour the club
Gabriel Martinelli ban and fine verdicts as FA make punishment decision on Arsenal ace
There could also be high-profile exits, both loans and permanent deals, with young midfield talent Ethan Nwaneri linked with an exit. Other youngsters could also make loan moves to get a taste of first-team football.
With that said, football.london takes a closer look at all the moves completed by Arsenal so far this January.
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News Liverpool’s injury list, suspensions and availability
Read the latest information on injuries, suspensions and availability in the Liverpool men’s squad.
Injuries
Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike was unavailable for the clash with Fulham because of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). Arne Slot was asked whether he will be fit for the game at Arsenal on January 8.
Slot on January 7: “He has not trained with us until now and let’s see if he can today.
“I’ve said, I think, two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he is not going to be out for long but because games come so fast he is in between maybe training with the team or it would take him one or two days extra.”
Wataru Endo
The midfielder has been out of action with an ankle injury since appearing in the 3-3 draw at Leeds United on December 6.
Alexander Isak
Isak is facing a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture on December 22.
He sustained the issue while scoring against Tottenham Hotspur two days prior.
Slot on December 23: “It’s going to be a long injury. For a couple of months. That’s a big, big, big disappointment for him and as a result of that of course also for us.”
Slot did also confirm he is confident Isak will be able to play again during the 2025-26 season.
Giovanni Leoni
The defender is amid a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Slot on September 26: “He is not in a good place, of course, because he tore his ACL and it means he will be out for a year. Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game… it’s very hard to take the positive side.
“There’s never a positive side – but you always try to look at a positive side and that is that he is still so young, so he has so many years still to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that.”
Availability
Mohamed Salah
After featuring off the bench versus Brighton on December 13, the forward is now with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah scored in the group games against Zimbabwe and South Africa to help his country reach the last 16. They are next in action on January 5.
Suspensions
Conor Bradley
Bradley is one yellow card away from receiving a one-match suspension in the Champions League.
The Reds travel to Marseille on January 21 for matchday seven of the league phase and then host Qarabag a week later.
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Here’s the latest confirmed update on Noah Adekoya and his Liverpool move: Everything you NEED to know about Noah Adekoya as Liverpool complete transfer
Centre-Back Noah Adekoya Signs for Liverpool
🔴 Transfer Completed — Medical & Contract
✅ Noah Adekoya has completed his move to Liverpool from Burnley during the January 2026 transfer window. He confirmed the transfer on social media with a post saying “God’s plan” alongside photos of him signing his Liverpool contract. �
⚽️ The move has been reported by multiple sources, and it’s understood he has signed officially after completing any required medical and paperwork. �
yardbarker.com
Yahoo Sports
📋 Who Is Noah Adekoya?
Position: Centre-back
Age: 19
Previous Club: Burnley (where he came through the youth system)
Notable: He captained Burnley’s U18s and has been regarded as a strong young talent with leadership qualities and composure on the ball. �
TEAMtalk
🏟️ Role at Liverpool
🔄 Adekoya is expected to link up with Liverpool’s academy/U21 setup initially, with the aim to continue his development and potentially break through toward the senior team in the future. �
This Is Anfield
🧠 Medical Status
📍 While individual medical details (like injuries or fitness specifics) are private and not publicly disclosed, reports confirm that the transfer has gone through, which in football normally means the player has passed all necessary medical checks and cleared club evaluations before official signing. �
TEAMtalk
If you want, I can share highlights of his playing style and how he might fit into Liverpool’s defense next!
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