Dermot Gallagher speaks out on major Everton and Arsenal controversy
Dermot Gallagher is the latest to weigh in on a controversial incident that occurred as Everton drew 1-1 with Arsenal at the weekend.
Iliman Ndiaye converted from the penalty spot early in the second half to cancel out Lenadro Trossard’s 34-minute opener at Goodison Park on Saturday (5 April).
However, many questioned referee Darren England’s decision to point to the spot – and VAR’s call to let it stand – as contact from Myles Lewis-Skelly on Jack Harrison was soft.
Gallagher gives verdict on Everton penalty v Arsenal
There was also the question of whether the contact happened inside the box or outside, but Ndiaye put all that to one side as he buried the spot-kick past David Raya.
Asked for his verdict on Sky Sports Ref Watch (7 April, 11:04am), Gallagher said: “I think if you’re going to give a foul to the forward in this instance, more of the foul occurs outside the area.
“Then he lets go of him. I don’t think it’s a penalty. The player’s reaction is key. But it’s never going to be overturned when given on pitch.”
In response to that, pundit Sue Smith disagreed as she said: “I do think it’s soft. But Lewis-Skelly does fall onto him inside the area.
“I think that’s never going to get overturned. You can see why the referee has given it. He does connect with him.”
Everton dent Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes
Given Liverpool fell to a shock 3-2 loss at Fulham a little over 24 hours later, this was very much an opportunity lost for Arsenal.
A point does little for their title prospects as they are still 11 behind Liverpool with only seven games left to play.
| Venue | Result |
| Emirates Stadium | 0-0 |
| Goodison Park | 1-1 |
As for Everton, a point keeps them ticking over and was a good response to the Merseyside derby loss to Liverpool a few days earlier, which itself had talking points aplenty.
The fallout from the Arsenal game is nowhere near as strong as it was after the Liverpool match, but this penalty call has certainly caused a debate.
David Moyes and his Everton players now move on to an away clash with Nottingham Forest next weekend, with the aim of simply finishing the campaign in as strong as form possible.