The Premier League has explained why VAR upheld Everton’s penalty decision against Arsenal in the second half at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.
Arsenal had taken a comfortable first-half lead through Leandro Trossard’s goal, but their second half started poorly when Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalized for a foul on Jack Harrison.
Referee Darren England reviewed the incident for an extended period before awarding the penalty, raising hopes among Arsenal supporters that it might be overturned. However, after a brief pause in play, VAR confirmed the decision.
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye remained composed to send David Raya the wrong way and level the score for the hosts. Following the controversial decision, the Premier League issued a statement on social media.
“The referee’s decision to award a penalty for Lewis-Skelly’s challenge on Harrison was reviewed and upheld by VAR, as the contact was deemed sufficient and inside the penalty area,” the league’s official account stated.
A draw would be a setback for Arsenal’s slim Premier League title hopes. The Gunners started the day 12 points behind Liverpool, and that gap could widen to 14 if the Reds defeat Fulham on Sunday. Pre-match speculation suggested Arsenal might be prioritizing the Champions League, as both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard began the game on the bench.
On Tuesday night, Arsenal will host Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
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