Everton manager David Moyes was left seething at the officiating after his side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal on Saturday 20 December 2025.
Controversial Calls Dominate Drab Encounter
The only goal of a drab contest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium came from the penalty spot in the first half. Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres converted after Everton defender Jake O'Brien was penalised for handling the ball from a corner. The decision was straightforward, with O'Brien bizarrely raising both arms while jumping.
However, it was a later incident that sparked the real controversy and post-match fury from the home boss. In the second half, Arsenal defender William Saliba kicked the foot of Everton striker Thierno Barry as both challenged for a bouncing ball inside the penalty area.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) checked the challenge but deemed the contact "wasn't sufficient for a penalty", according to the Premier League Match Centre. No spot-kick was awarded, a decision that left Moyes incandescent.
Moyes Manages His Anger at Full-Time
The Everton manager was seen in a lengthy and animated discussion with referee Sam Barrott after the final whistle. When asked by Sky Sports what was said, Moyes offered a terse and telling reply.
"I'd like to [repeat it], but I'd probably be fined in some ways," Moyes stated. "You need to find ways at Sky to talk to referees or don't bother asking me."
He expanded on his frustration, suggesting the officiating did not match his team's robust approach. "It was a day where just a lot of things didn't quite suit and go our way. There was quite a few people going down injured. The referee was blowing up for them. It's a different football club here. We play tough. We expect our referees to do the same."
Penalty Verdict and O'Brien's Regret
On the specific Saliba-Barry incident, Moyes took aim at the language used to justify the non-call. "I think they're saying it's insignificant contact, and it might have been. May well have been. They come up with new words for every decision don't they."
In contrast, the Scot had no argument with the penalty that decided the match, pinning the blame squarely on O'Brien's error. "I didn't think Arsenal gave us too many problems before the penalty kick. If anything we started better than Arsenal. But it was a poor decision by Jake O'Brien to raise his arms which made it difficult. I think that was the first corner of the game."
He added, "These things happen and players don't mean to do it but you shouldn't be sticking your arms up there that's for sure." The defender had been fortunate moments earlier, escaping punishment for a shove on Gyokeres.
The result leaves Everton ruing missed opportunities and contentious decisions, with Moyes's post-match comments likely to attract the attention of the football authorities.
