A former Premier League referee has sharply criticized the officiating in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Everton, claiming that a crucial mistake was made during the match. The referee insisted that Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty after Thomas Partey was fouled by an Everton player before any contact was made with the ball. This decision, or lack thereof, has once again sparked debates about VAR’s consistency and effectiveness. Despite the clear foul shown in replays, VAR chose not to intervene, leaving both Arsenal fans and players frustrated.
Arsenal’s inability to capitalize on key moments worsened their performance in the match. Despite Liverpool’s earlier 2-2 draw with Fulham, which provided an opportunity for Arsenal to close the gap in the title race, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to make an impact, extending their goal drought from open play to three games. Arsenal dominated possession, holding 75% in the first half, but struggled to break down Everton’s strong defense.
Their best chance came in the 30th minute when Bukayo Saka, with a brilliant pass from Kai Havertz, set up Martin Ødegaard. However, Ødegaard’s left-footed shot was expertly saved by Jordan Pickford, who was in top form throughout the match. Everton’s defensive strategy neutralized Arsenal’s attacks, and even their limited chances, like Abdoulaye Doucouré’s early effort, failed to trouble the Gunners. Arsenal’s Gabriel, returning from injury, made a crucial block to prevent Doucouré from scoring in the 6th minute.
As the match ended in frustration, boos echoed around the Emirates, signaling the fans’ dissatisfaction. The result leaves Arsenal six points behind leaders Liverpool, having played an extra game, and one point behind Chelsea, who still have a match in hand. The recurring VAR controversies this season continue to be a hot topic, but for Arsenal, the deeper issue lies in their failure to convert dominant performances into wins.
With the January transfer window approaching, Arteta and his team must address these ongoing problems if they hope to remain in the title race. This draw not only reflects Arsenal’s challenges but also highlights the growing scrutiny of Premier League referees. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners can recover from this setback, but the pressure is mounting on both the team and the league’s officials.
