Liverpool Lunchtime Round-Up, Saturday 14th November 2026: Isak Breaks Silence on Arsenal Penalty Controversy
Alexander Isak has finally spoken out on the penalty controversy from Liverpool's game with Arsenal, after a Premier League panel ruled he should have been awarded a spot-kick, explaining his reasons for staying on his feet rather than going down (1)(17). The striker also gave an honest assessment of his own form so far, admitting he doesn't yet feel he's hit his "top level" despite a strong start to the season, as he looks to carry that over into international duty with Sweden (16).
Manchester United have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager, but he won't officially take charge until 18 November, giving him just three days to prepare before his side host Liverpool on 22 November (3).
Dejan Lovren has called on Liverpool to tie Alisson Becker down to a new deal through to 2028, so the goalkeeper can reach ten years at Anfield rather than depart like other former teammates (2). Meanwhile Alexis Mac Allister's father has given a fresh update on his son's contract situation, saying a resolution could come before the end of the year after the midfielder expressed disappointment at not yet being offered an extension (14).
On international duty, Florian Wirtz impressed for Germany and was praised by German media as "virtually unstoppable" and "irresistible" after his display (7)(8). Elsewhere, Ronald Araujo got the better of Mac Allister as Uruguay beat Argentina, with media in both countries giving their verdicts on the Liverpool pair (9)(12), while This Is Anfield reported Mac Allister risks missing Liverpool's first Merseyside derby of the season through suspension or fitness concerns picked up on international duty (10). Cody Gakpo endured a difficult night as the Netherlands put seven past Kostas Tsimikas's Greece (13), and Liverpool's wider international round-up also noted Trey Nyoni being rewarded for his form (7)(11).
Liverpool legend Ian Rush has backed Lewis Koumas to make an impact for Wales, while also stating Liverpool must target a top-four finish and silverware this season (4). Zinedine Zidane publicly defended Bradley Barcola after a tough night for the forward in France's 3-1 Nations League defeat to Italy (5). Timo Werner has also reflected on his failed move to Liverpool, saying of the transfer "maybe, but not really" (15).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
