Arsenal were denied a penalty in their Premier League meeting with Everton after Kai Havertz went down inside the box. The German was played through by Eberechi Eze and fell under a challenge from Michael Keane, but referee Andy Madley signalled play on.
The Video Assistant Referee reviewed the incident and upheld the decision, with the Premier League Match Centre confirming: "The referee's call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Keane on Havertz deemed to be minimal."
Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith disagreed, saying: "He just catches his left boot, it's a foul. It's a foul all day long." However, ex-Chelsea winger Pat Nevin offered a contrasting view on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I think Kai Havertz foot goes out and makes the contact, and he initiates it, but not deliberately."
The match was evenly contested early on, with Arsenal looking to establish a 10-point advantage over Manchester City. Everton carved out the better chances, as Riccardo Calafiori blocked Iliman Ndiaye, Dwight McNeil struck the post, and Ndiaye blazed the rebound wide. David Raya also parried a strike from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Arsenal suffered a blow before half-time when right-back Jurrien Timber was forced off with an apparent groin injury. With the Gunners facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final next Sunday, they will be concerned about the Dutchman's fitness.
