Premier League verdict on controversial VAR penalty decision against Arsenal in draw with Everton

The Premier League has released an official statement regarding the controversial penalty awarded against Arsenal during their 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. Arsenal had taken the lead in the first half, but Everton equalized early in the second half through a penalty, which proved to be the final goal of the match.

The penalty was awarded after Myles Lewis-Skelly was judged to have fouled Jack Harrison, despite the initial contact appearing to occur outside the penalty area. Replays showed that Lewis-Skelly seemed to release Harrison before collapsing to the ground. The incident was reviewed by VAR, but no on-field review was recommended to referee Darren England.

In a statement issued on X, the Premier League Match Centre explained: "The referee’s call of penalty for the challenge by Lewis-Skelly on Harrison was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be sufficient for a penalty and inside the area."

Lucy Ward, former Leeds women's striker and commentator on TNT Sports, agreed with the decision, saying: "Myles Lewis-Skelly misjudges the bounce and was always second best to get to it. Ndiaye had to wait a long time but he was coolness personified and sends Raya the wrong way."

The draw leaves Arsenal trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by 12 points, effectively ending their hopes of catching up to the Reds, who were handed a boost ahead of their own match against Fulham on Sunday. Liverpool now need only 11 points from their remaining eight games to secure the title.

Following the result, fans took to X to voice their thoughts, with one user declaring: "It's Over, Congratulations Liverpool for the Title..!" Another added, "Everton guaranteeing Liverpool the title in the space of 3 days." A third commented, "You can already give the title to Liverpool."