Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took a heavy hit after a controversial penalty decision handed Everton a route back into the game at Goodison Park.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who took the lead through Leandro Trossard in the first half, were left frustrated as Iliman Ndiaye converted from the spot early in the second half. The equaliser followed a contentious moment in the box where Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have fouled Jack Harrison.
Referee Darren England was decisive in pointing to the spot, and a brief VAR check upheld the decision. But Arteta was far from convinced.
“I have seen it 15 times – in my opinion, it is never a penalty,” a clearly frustrated Arteta told Match of the Day. “We were in control and looking to build on that. The referee just gave them something out of nothing.”
Everton boss David Moyes was far more reserved, claiming he hadn’t seen the incident back:
“I’ve watched it zero times so I couldn’t tell you if it was a penalty or not.”
The Premier League’s Match Centre later clarified on social media that VAR had confirmed “sufficient contact” and that the incident occurred inside the area.
Former striker and pundit Chris Sutton weighed in, calling the decision “very, very soft”, and speculated Moyes himself might agree once he reviewed it.
Penalty Debate Overshadows Tactical Battle
The game lacked fluidity overall, with both teams struggling to maintain rhythm. Trossard’s first-half goal looked set to give the Gunners a valuable three points, but Ndiaye’s coolly taken penalty just after the restart changed the complexion of the match.
Arsenal, chasing their first Premier League title in over two decades, are now relying on a significant slip from league leaders Liverpool. With just eight games remaining, Jurgen Klopp’s side need only 11 points to seal the title — starting with their trip to Fulham on Sunday.
“We have no margins – that’s so clear,” Arteta admitted. “We did enough to win the game, but the margins are very small.”
A Bitter Return for Arteta
Arteta, who played over 200 games for Everton between 2005 and 2011, was hoping for a smoother return to Merseyside. Instead, he departs with just a point — and possibly the final blow to Arsenal’s title charge.
As the dust settles on another Premier League weekend, the debate around officiating decisions continues, and Arsenal must now regroup quickly if they’re to keep any remaining hopes alive.
Do you think it was a penalty? Join the debate in the comments.
