Mike Dean gives his candid opinion on the disputed penalty decision in Arsenal’s draw against Everton today.

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered a major blow after they failed to secure a win against Everton in Saturday’s early kick-off.

Needing a victory to stay in contention with league leaders Liverpool, who were 12 points ahead before the match, the Gunners took the lead in the 34th minute. Raheem Sterling set up Leandro Trossard, who finished off a swift counter-attack.

However, controversy arose when Everton were awarded a penalty after Myles Lewis-Skelly tangled with Jack Harrison in the box. Iliman Ndiaye confidently converted the spot kick, earning Everton a crucial point and further denting Arsenal’s title chances.

The penalty decision sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Former referee Mike Dean described it as “soft” but acknowledged that it wasn’t necessarily incorrect.

“There was some contact outside and a little inside,” Dean told Sky Sports News. “It’s a soft one. Probably not wrong, but soft.”

Sky Sports pundit Michael Dawson was more critical, questioning why Lewis-Skelly didn’t challenge for the ball and arguing that the contact was minimal.

The Premier League Match Centre later clarified that VAR reviewed the decision and determined that the contact was sufficient for a penalty and occurred inside the area, leading to the referee sticking with his initial call.

With this result, Arsenal’s fading title hopes have been all but extinguished, while debate over the controversial decision continues.