Everton manager David Moyes was left biting his tongue after a pivotal VAR decision went against his team in a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
Controversy at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The match's crucial moment arrived in the second half, with Arsenal leading thanks to a Viktor Gyokeres penalty. Everton believed they should have been awarded a spot-kick of their own when striker Thierno Barry went down under a challenge from Arsenal defender William Saliba.
Referee Sam Barrott waved play on, and after a lengthy VAR check, the decision of no penalty was upheld. The Premier League's official Match Centre later stated the contact was deemed "insufficient" for a foul, a explanation that did little to cool Moyes's temper.
Moyes's Muted Fury
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, a clearly frustrated Moyes suggested he would face sanctions if he revealed his true thoughts on the officiating. "I’d like to [tell you about the discussion with the referee] but I’d probably be fined," he said.
"You need to find a way so we can talk about the referees or don’t bother asking me," the Scot added, criticising what he perceived as inconsistency. "A lot of things didn’t quite suit and go our way. There were quite a few people going down and the referee was blowing up for them. It’s a different football club here. We play tough and we expect the referees to do the same."
Moyes also took a swipe at the language used by officials, remarking: "They come up with new words for every decision don’t they."
Arsenal Grind Out Another Win
For Arsenal, the victory ensured they will sit top of the Premier League table at Christmas. It was their 12th win in 17 matches this season, though manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged it was another nervy performance following a last-minute winner against Wolves previously.
The only goal came from the penalty spot after a handball by Everton's Jake O'Brien. Gyokeres, recently back from injury, calmly converted for his first goal since November. Arteta praised his team's decision-making, saying: "That's what I hoped and they have to take initiative on the pitch. They decide that Viktor is the best taker and he scored, so what a great decision."
However, the Spaniard admitted his side could have made it easier, noting: "We had three big open chances that if you want to be more relaxed at the end you have to take those chances in the Premier League."
League Table Implications
The result leaves Everton in the top half of the table, but a concerning lack of goalscoring form persists. Only Nottingham Forest and Wolves have scored fewer than Moyes's side this campaign, though their defensive record of six clean sheets remains a positive.
For Arsenal, the gritty win reinforces their title credentials, proving they can secure vital points even when not at their fluid best. The debate over the key VAR decision, however, is sure to rumble on.
