“Although it wasn’t a penalty but here’s why I decided to award it and I regret my action”: The referee that officiated Everton vs Arsenal’s match has tender an apology to Arsenal fans, revealed why he award ‘an unfair penalty’ to Everton
Everton successfully held Premier League high-flyers Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the Gunners in the first half, but Everton found their equaliser through Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty on the hour mark.
Jack Harrison was impeded in the area by England international Myles Lewis-Skelly, prompting referee Darren England to point to the spot.
Everton’s draw with Arsenal marked a positive response from David Moyes’ men, who were beaten by Liverpool in Wednesday’s Merseyside Derby.
Henry Winter left fuming with Everton and Arsenal’s conduct at corners
England’s decision to hand the Toffees a penalty against Mikel Arteta’s men may have emerged as the main talking point from Goodison Park.
However, while watching the Premier League clash between the Blues and the Gunners, Henry Winter wrote on X: “Ridiculous the amount of grappling and body-checking that goes on at corners.
“Been going on for ages now and it’s boring, time-wasting and seems to be getting worse.
“Feel a bit for refs trying to sort out the playground WWE.”
Everton’s draw with Arsenal is a significant result for Moyes and Co
The Toffees had enjoyed a remarkable nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, which came to a gutting end when they lost 1-0 to Merseyside Derby rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
After their defeat to the Reds, matters were potentially looking bleak for the Blues ahead of their clash with second-place Arsenal, who had won each of their last two games before their trip to Goodison Park.
Furthermore, Moyes’ men still face tough encounters with Champions League chasers Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
The Toffees have not won since a 2-1 victory in their away trip to Crystal Palace on 15 February, and the Goodison Park faithful could be wondering where their side’s next triumph is coming from amid a tough fixture list.
However, by avoiding defeat to a strong Arsenal outfit, Everton will have gained plenty of confidence, which will be significant for them as they look to enjoy a strong end to the Premier League season.
