Arteta fumes over penalty call in Arsenal’s clash with Everton | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta was angered by a controversial penalty decision that cost Arsenal the chance of victory at Everton today.

The Gunners started brightly and took an early lead in the first half. Raheem Sterling broke quickly on the counter and found Leandro Trossard in space.

The Belgian fired home from the centre of the box to make it 1-0. Trossard nearly doubled the lead later in the half after a fine pass from Jakub Kiwior.

However, the forward failed to take full advantage of the chance, and the opportunity went begging.

Second-half penalty sparks controversy

The key moment came shortly after the restart when Everton were awarded a penalty.

Referee Darren England judged that Myles Lewis-Skelly had wrapped his arms around Jack Harrison.

Iliman Ndiaye stepped up and converted the penalty, levelling the match early in the second half.

The goal cancelled out Trossard’s opener and completely changed the mood of the game.

Liverpool can move 14 points clear at the top of the table if they beat Fulham tomorrow.

The penalty call caused plenty of debate, with Mikel Arteta making his thoughts clear after the match.

Artera told beIN SPORTS: “We conceded a penalty that, in my opinion, was NOT a penalty, very clear.

“There is not enough contact, and the contact starts outside – inside, there is nothing.”

Arteta and his players will now aim to move past the penalty drama at Everton and shift their focus to the Champions League.

They face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.