‘Never a penalty’ – Arsenal fume over key decision in Everton stalemate

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·5 aprile 2025

‘Never a penalty’ – Arsenal fume over key decision in Everton stalemate

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta felt his side were robbed of victory after Everton were awarded a contentious penalty at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Gunners went ahead in the first half thanks to a brilliant strike that went through the legs of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

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Iliman Ndiaye equalised from twelve yards shortly after the interval, but referee Darren England’s decision to point to the spot was a controversial one. Myles Lewis-Skelly tussled with Jack Harrison outside the box before both players fell to the ground inside the area.

Arsenal fume over penalty decision in Everton stalemate

Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, Arteta said he was “very unhappy” with the result and the game-changing penalty.

“It’s a tough place to come,” he said. “A team that is very physical and direct. The start of the second half was very poor, gave the ball away, very insecure and then the decision with the penalty comes. It’s for me, never a penalty.

“The game just started in the second half, you want to get some momentum. We never got to that because the game became really different.”

Arteta also told BBC Sport: “We were hoping in the second half to continue the domination but out of nothing the referee decides to give a penalty. I’ve seen it 15 times… it’s not a penalty.”

The stalemate leaves Arsenal 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with seven games remaining, but Arteta was able to take some positives from the game.

“We had some very big chances that we didn’t finish very well apart form the goal,” he said. “They didn’t generate anything at all so it’s very disappointing that we concede a goal.”

The Basque native added that Arsenal “have to win many more games” following their 11th league draw of the season.

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