Havertz was a runaway train, thundering toward goal. Each stride sent a tremor through the pitch, his eyes locked onto the approaching Alisson.
The Brazilian hesitated—halfway between rushing out and standing his ground.
That flicker of uncertainty was all Havertz needed.
A heavy touch sent the ball rolling past Alisson's reach.
Then—contact.
Alisson's outstretched arm clipped Havertz's trailing leg.
The German stumbled, lost his footing, and crashed onto the turf. The stadium held its breath.
And then—
The whistle pierced the air.
Peter Drury: "Penalty! Alisson reaches—Alisson clips—and Arsenal have a lifeline!"
A storm of reactions exploded across the pitch. Havertz lay sprawled, hands outstretched as if to confirm the inevitable.
Alisson threw his arms up in protest, eyes wide with disbelief. Liverpool shirts swarmed the referee, demanding reconsideration.
But the decision had been made.
