Arsenal’s final visit to Goodison Park ended in frustration and controversy, as a dubious second-half penalty helped Everton secure a 1-1 draw that all but extinguished any faint hopes the Gunners had of chasing down Liverpool in the title race.
Leandro Trossard put Mikel Arteta’s side ahead midway through the first half, capitalising on a defensive error to fire low past Jordan Pickford. But the game turned after the break when referee Darren England awarded the hosts a soft penalty following a coming together between Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jack Harrison.
The Arsenal full-back, making just his second Premier League start, appeared to initiate contact outside the area before both players fell inside the box.
Despite the minimal nature of the collision, and a clear lack of intent, England pointed to the spot and the decision was upheld by VAR. Iliman Ndiaye stepped up to convert and secure a fifth draw in six league games for David Moyes’ side.
Arteta was left incensed by the decision, questioning both the logic and consistency of the officials. “After seeing it 15 times, there is no way that is a penalty,” he said. “Because if there is, then O’Brien has to be out, and Everton have to play with 10 men. That’s clear.”
It was a turning point in a match Arsenal had started slowly but grew into. The visitors made several changes from their win over Fulham, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Thomas Partey all starting on the bench, partly due to fitness concerns ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.
Arteta insisted those changes were necessary and not driven by the upcoming European fixture.
Despite the disruption, Arsenal created enough chances to win the game. Trossard remained a threat throughout, while Declan Rice, Martinelli and Odegaard all tested Pickford. But the final pass or finish was often lacking, and the momentum was consistently interrupted by fouls and stoppages.
With Liverpool now needing just 11 points from their final eight games to clinch the title, Arteta admitted the gap was reflective of Arne Slot’s side’s relentless form. However, he remained focused on what his team could control. “We deserved more, but that’s what we got in the end,” he said.
For Arsenal, the result adds to a growing list of dropped points shaped by narrow margins and questionable decisions in a title race that looks increasingly out of reach.
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