Arsenal’s hopes of keeping pace in the Premier League title race took another hit after a 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park, and pundit Martin Keown has expressed concern over Myles Lewis-Skelly’s decision-making in the critical moment that led to Everton’s equalizing penalty.
Leandro Trossard fired Arsenal into the lead with a stunning strike midway through the first half, continuing his impressive form in front of goal.
The Gunners appeared in control, and Trossard nearly doubled the lead before the break, only to be denied by a top save from Jordan Pickford.
However, just four minutes after the restart, the game turned on a controversial incident.
Young midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have fouled Everton winger Jack Harrison in the box, prompting referee Darren England to award a penalty.
While replays suggested there was only minimal contact, VAR official Stuart Attwell upheld the on-field decision. Iliman Ndiaye stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick, leveling the score.
The penalty decision sparked debate, with many questioning whether the contact warranted such a harsh punishment.
Former Arsenal and Everton defender Martin Keown, speaking on TNT Sports, was critical of both the officiating and Lewis-Skelly’s involvement.
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“I don’t believe there’s enough contact there for a penalty. It’s very soft,” Keown said.
“Initially, Myles doesn’t read the flight of the ball and is trying to get his body in the way, but I’m not convinced there’s a clear foul.
It’s one of those where Harrison wants to go down there’s a bit of a tug, but no significant contact.”
Keown emphasized that while the decision was debatable, Lewis-Skelly should have handled the situation better, particularly given the risk involved in such a dangerous area of the pitch.
“What I would say if I were working with him Myles uses his body well, it’s one of his strengths,” Keown continued.
“But there are times when you just need to focus on going directly for the ball rather than engaging in a physical contest.
He’ll look back on that moment and realize he should have just cleared it. That said, I don’t think it was a foul.”
Keown also criticized referee Darren England for what he described as a series of “very strange” decisions throughout the match.
“There were some really odd calls today,” he added. “There were times when the goalkeeper was clearly obstructed, and the referee didn’t spot it. He was found wanting.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta echoed Keown’s frustrations in his post-match interview with beIN Sports, expressing disbelief at the penalty decision.
“We conceded nothing in the game apart from that penalty,” Arteta said.
“In my opinion, it’s not a penalty. The contact starts outside the box, and there’s barely anything inside. It’s a very disappointing way to drop points.”
Arteta also acknowledged the physical nature of the match and credited Everton for their direct approach, but remained adamant that the penalty call was incorrect.
“It’s always tough to come here. They challenge you physically, and with all the long balls from Pickford, you have to stay sharp. But we were managing it well until that moment,” he added.
With the draw, Arsenal dropped crucial points in the Premier League title race, and could find themselves 14 points behind leaders Liverpool if the Reds beat Fulham on Sunday.
For the Gunners, it’s another reminder that even the smallest lapse in judgment can have major consequences something Lewis-Skelly will no doubt learn from as he continues his development at the top level.
