Arsenal escape Goodison Park as VAR denies Everton late penalty
The moment that decided Everton’s night arrived quietly a brief pause, a referee’s wave, and no intervention from VAR. By full-time, that decision had come to define Arsenal’s narrow escape on Merseyside.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win lifted them back to the top of the Premier League, but it was a performance that offered little comfort. The visitors were organised and disciplined, yet far from fluent, and they survived a second-half scare that could easily have altered the title picture.
A breakthrough, then pressure
The only goal came midway through the first half when Jake O’Brien was penalised for handling a Declan Rice corner. Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and converted, offering a rare decisive moment for a forward still finding consistency since his move from Sporting.
That advantage did not translate into control. Arsenal struggled to create chances from open play and spent long spells defending, a pattern that has occasionally surfaced this season. With Manchester City showing signs of momentum again, such slim margins may not always be enough.
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Everton’s appeals fall flat
Goodison Park erupted in the 58th minute when Thierno Barry went down under pressure from William Saliba while chasing a loose ball in the area. Referee Samuel Barrott dismissed the appeals instantly, and after a short review, VAR backed the on-field call.
The Premier League Match Centre later explained the decision on X, stating: “The referee's call of no penalty to Everton was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed the contact from Saliba on Barry wasn’t sufficient for a penalty.”
That explanation did little to cool tempers inside the stadium, where boos followed every replay shown on the big screen.
Former referee backs the call
Keith Hackett, the former PGMOL chief, sided with the officials, pointing to Saliba’s attempt to play the ball rather than impede his opponent. Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said:
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“Football is a contact sport, and I can fully understand why a penalty kick was not given. The ball is there, and that is what the Arsenal player was attempting to play. It’s not a penalty kick for me.”
Hackett added that such incidents often hinge on interpretation, particularly when defenders make genuine attempts to clear danger an area of law that continues to divide opinion across the league.
Moyes left exasperated
David Moyes was visibly frustrated after the final whistle, approaching the officials before addressing the media. Asked about the decision by Sky Sports, the Everton manager stopped short of specifics.
“I'd like to [tell you], but I'd probably be fined in some ways,” Moyes said. “You need to find ways at Sky to talk to referees or don't bother asking me.”
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Speaking later on Match of the Day, he questioned the reasoning behind the call. “I think they said it was insignificant contact. Well, we'll have to see a few others and see if they're right… Tonight the decisions didn't go.”
Everton remain mid-table with 24 points from 17 matches. Arsenal, meanwhile, move on with 39 points relieved, perhaps, but aware that performances like this leave little room for error as the season tightens.
Sources: Premier League Match Centre, Football Insider, Sky Sports, Match of the Day
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