Premier League release statement after controversy in Everton vs Arsenal
Jake O’Brien conceded a penalty in the first half as Everton face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s team have travelled to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 20 December, with the Toffees looking to deal the visitors a blow in the race for the league title.
David Moyes is without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye, and the Scottish manager has decided to count on Dwight McNeil and Tim Iroegbunam.
In the 24th minute, O’Brien jumped to clear a corner, challenging Riccardo Calafiori for the ball, and ended up handling it.
Jake O’Brien commits handball in Everton vs Arsenal
Sam Barrott initially didn’t suspect any foul play from O’Brien, but VAR advised him to have another look at the incident.
After the on-field review, the referee acknowledged that the Republic of Ireland international had handled the ball at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Viktor Gyokeres subsequently scoring.
It doesn’t seem like the 24-year-old centre-back can have any complaints, as both his hands were up in the air in what can arguably be deemed an unnatural position.
The Premier League Match Centre shared on X on 20 December: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Arsenal. Referee announcement: ‘After review, Everton No.15 commits a handball offence. My final decision will be penalty kick’.”
Moyes is also having to deal with the absence of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who picked up an injury against Chelsea, making things a bit more challenging in L4.
Arsenal are coming into the game as clear favourites, but the Scottish manager will be hoping to pull off an upset.
David Moyes change certain at half-time at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Thierno Barry is starting to find his feet at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the game may require fresh legs in the second half.
While the former Villarreal forward has shown glimpses of promise at Everton, he needs to do more in terms of holding up the ball.
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Premier League | 16 | 1 | 0 |
Beto should be brought on, with the Guinea-Bissau international better equipped to play against William Saliba and Piero Hincapie due to his physicality.
The Toffees need to score more goals in the Premier League, and a change up front could potentially give them a different dimension against Arsenal’s resolute defence.
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