Arteta rages over VAR as Arsenal held by Everton

Arsenal’s Premier League title bid took another hit at Goodison Park, but it was the referee’s decision not Everton’s resilience that dominated Mikel Arteta’s post-match frustration.

A second-half penalty converted by Iliman Ndiaye salvaged a 1-1 draw for Everton, cancelling out Leandro Trossard’s opener and sparking heated debate over the decision that changed the game’s course. Referee Darren England pointed to the spot after Jack Harrison went down under a challenge from Myles Lewis-Skelly, with VAR Stuart Atwell opting not to intervene.

Arteta, clearly incensed, didn’t hold back. “After seeing it 15 times, there is no way in my opinion that is a penalty,” he said. “The referee decides to give a penalty that changes the course of the game.” He added that if the foul was valid, Everton’s Jake O’Brien should have been sent off for a similar infringement.

For Arsenal, the draw leaves them 11 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, with time running out. The Gunners must now shift focus to Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, a clash Arteta called “one of the most beautiful games you can play in football.”

Everton, meanwhile, edged further from danger. David Moyes praised his team’s resilience, saying, “We didn’t start well but showed a bit more in the second half.” The Toffees now sit 14th, 12 points clear of the drop. Moyes, already looking to next season, added, “I want us to keep getting ready for Premier League football .”