Arsenal handed fresh Everton penalty referee verdict as Premier League chaos takes new twist

Ex-top-flight referee Keith Hackett is the latest to weigh-in on the controversy surrounding Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Everton in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

The Gunners initially took the lead in the first half courtesy of a strike from Leandro Trossard, but Myles Lewis-Skelly was later penalised for a foul on Jack Harrison in the area. The spot-kick was initially awarded by on-field referee Darren England, and later confirmed by Stuart Attwell on VAR duty at Stockley Park.

Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye calmly converted the penalty to put the Toffees back on level terms, having sent Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya the wrong way. Mikel Arteta's side still had 40 minutes and added time to restore their lead, but failed to break down a resilient Everton defensive unit.

The penalty was not the only controversial moment of the game, however, as referee England appeared to blow the full-time whistle around 10 seconds before the four minutes of additional time was played. After Everton players were left furious with the decision, he changed his mind and instead awarded a free-kick to the hosts - for an apparent challenge on James Tarkowski.

England's decision-making has been a major talking point in the aftermath of Saturday's game, and Hackett has questioned whether the official is fit to referee in the Premier League when the stakes are so high.

"We really need to be asking if Darren England is frankly good enough to officiate at the elite level," he said in an interview with Football Insider. "I do think that when he blows his whistle his left arm is stretched out signalling a free-kick and not full-time."

The result left Arsenal 11 points behind leaders Liverpool, who can extend their cushion to 14 points with a win away at Fulham on Sunday afternoon. For Arteta, the focus is now on their Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid with the first leg to take place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard started on the subs bench against Everton, offering a clear indication of where the manager's priorities rested ahead of such a significant week in the season. With Liverpool seemingly beyond reach in the Premier League, whether they progress into the latter stages of UEFA's premier competition will make or break Arsenal's season.

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