Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration after a controversial penalty decision helped Everton secure a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Arsenal, already facing a challenging task in the Premier League title race, needed a win in Merseyside to reduce the gap to leaders Liverpool to nine points, offering a glimmer of hope that they could still be in the hunt. The Gunners took the lead through Leandro Trossard, but Everton equalized early in the second half with Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty. Despite over 40 minutes remaining, Arsenal struggled to create chances and couldn’t find a winner.
In his post-match interview with the BBC, Arteta was particularly upset about a decision to award Everton a penalty for a challenge by Myles Lewis-Skelly on Jack Harrison. The incident was reviewed by VAR, which upheld referee Darren England’s original decision.
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“I am 100% frustrated. We were in control of the match, and we hoped to continue that in the second half, but out of nowhere, the referee gives a penalty,” Arteta said. “I’ve seen it 15 times, and in my opinion, it’s never a penalty.”
The Arsenal boss also criticized his team’s performance, suggesting they played into Everton’s strengths. “Everton are very good at what they do, but we gave away so many silly fouls that led to set-pieces. They generated nothing from open play,” he added.
As Liverpool faced Fulham on Sunday with the chance to extend their lead to 14 points with just seven games remaining, Arsenal’s focus has shifted. The club’s hopes of winning a major trophy this season now rest on the Champions League, with a daunting quarter-final tie against Real Madrid on the horizon.
