Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Tue 23 December 2025 13:10, UK

Michael Ball has challenged Dermot Gallagher to show him a foul as blatant as the one on Thierno Barry as Everton lost 1-0 to Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s team travelled to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 20 December, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring the only goal of the game.

David Moyes must’ve been disappointed to see Jake O’Brien concede a penalty, but the Scottish manager was left asking for one later in the game.

William Saliba caught Barry’s foot inside the box while trying to clear the ball, but Sam Barrott and VAR didn’t think it was worthy of a spot kick.

Everton needed luck against Arsenal

Gallagher’s comments on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch have arguably left the Toffees faithful reeling.

The former Irish referee claimed that similar incidents haven’t been penalised in recent weeks, but the challenge from Saliba at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was undoubtedly clear as day.

Had the Merseyside outfit gotten the penalty, they would’ve certainly had a chance to hold on for a point against the Gunners.

Ball wrote in the Liverpool Echo on 22 December: “I watched Ref Watch on Sky Sports on Monday morning, and Gallagher argued that no penalty had been given for a similar scenario in the Premier League so far this season. Well, show me a foul as blatant as that one.”

The ex-Blues defender added: “It was so frustrating because in games like that, you need your luck to be in — Arsenal were head and shoulders the better team. Sometimes you just need a moment, and that was Everton’s. Whether or not they deserved it, a penalty right then in the second half could have given them something to hang onto.”

Moyes must’ve been left annoyed by the lack of creativity at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after Arsenal scored, but the penalty could’ve potentially turned things around.

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David Moyes must find solution to lack of creativity at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye’s absence has undoubtedly affected the Toffees.

Everton were devoid of any threat in the final third against Arsenal, and while the Gunners boast one of the best defences in the league, it’s embarrassing to see the home side not have a shot in the first half.

Moyes must figure out a way to get the best out of the squad in the coming weeks without two of his key players, and Jack Grealish playing as a number 10 may be the answer.

With the Manchester City star pulling the string in the middle of the park, and Tyler Dibling on the right-wing, the Merseyside outfit could potentially reinvigorate their attack.

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