Mikel Arteta has strongly criticised the decision to award a penalty against Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Everton, insisting that it should never have been given. Lewis-Skelly, who has found himself under scrutiny this season for some poor decision-making, was at the centre of the controversy after conceding the penalty. His performances have been criticised, including incidents of being sent off and making controversial gestures, but Arteta is adamant that the penalty against Everton was unjust.

The decision to award the penalty has added to a growing sense of frustration at Arsenal, as the team has felt they have been unfairly punished by referees on several occasions this season. Given the importance of each point in their bid for the title, the Gunners are understandably upset by the call, with Arteta making it clear that he believes the referee’s decision changed the course of the game. The penalty was a key moment, and the Gunners feel that the decision cost them precious points in a tightly contested race.

Speaking after the match, Arteta said, as quoted by ESPN: “The referee decides to give a penalty that changes the course of the game. I’m here to give my opinion and, after seeing it 15 times, there is no way in my opinion that is a penalty because if it is then [Jake] O’Brien has to be out, and Everton have to play with 10 men. That’s clear.”

Arteta’s comments reflect the sense of injustice that Arsenal fans and the team itself are feeling, as they believe that the decision was too harsh. They feel that this controversial call is yet another example of decisions going against them in critical moments, and it adds to a growing list of controversial officiating decisions this season. With every point so valuable in the context of their title ambitions, Arsenal will surely feel cheated by what they see as a poor refereeing decision.

Many supporters and neutrals alike may share Arteta’s opinion, and the penalty will likely be added to a catalogue of questionable decisions that have impacted Arsenal this season. As they push for a top spot, Arteta and the players will be hoping for better luck with refereeing decisions in the future.

Leandro Trossard has acknowledged that Arsenal’s poor performance in the second half of their match against Everton ultimately cost them two crucial points. The Gunners had dominated the first half, going into the break with a one-goal lead and fans expected them to build on that advantage after the interval. However, it was Everton who came out stronger in the second half, showing more hunger and determination.

Despite Arsenal’s initial dominance, they were unable to prevent Everton from scoring the equaliser, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw, which was a significant setback for the Gunners. This result now leaves Liverpool with the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 14 points, which is a blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations.

Trossard reflected on the disappointing outcome, particularly highlighting the poor start to the second half and the moments that led to Everton’s equaliser. Speaking to Arsenal Media, he said: “I think it’s a pity at the end, we wanted to have the three points. In general, we played well, but how we started the second half wasn’t good enough, how we conceded a penalty and what led to their goal.” He added, “We did not manage the game well and that came back to cost us the points. We have to focus on our next match now and we simply cannot be that poor against Real Madrid.”

The draw against Everton is especially disappointing given the timing, with Arsenal preparing for a crucial upcoming fixture against Real Madrid. A win would have provided them with the perfect momentum heading into that match, but now they must regroup and ensure they do not repeat their second-half mistakes against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid.

There is a cruel irony as Arsenal prepares for their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Understandably, much of the focus among Gooners has been on Bukayo Saka’s fitness ahead of the tie against Los Blancos and the extent of his involvement over the two legs. At the very least, the 23-year-old appears ready to come off the bench and provide the kind of moment of magic often needed to progress in knockout football.

However, the recent confirmation that Gabriel is now ruled out for the season is equally significant. In ties of this magnitude, the finest of margins can be decisive, and it is a testament to the Brazilian’s development that his absence is seen as such a pivotal loss.

Yet, to operate at the highest level, a club must behave like one. Arsenal boasts a deep squad and employs the third highest-paid manager in world football, whose responsibility it is to find solutions. The issue, as it stands, is that Calafiori will not travel to Liverpool this weekend, while both Ben White and Jurrien Timber face late fitness tests before the squad is finalised.

Here are the options to partner with William Saliba on Tuesday:

Jakub Kiwior
When Gabriel went off injured against Liverpool at the Emirates, and Arsenal were already without Saliba through suspension, the atmosphere notably shifted as Jakub Kiwior prepared to come on. Despite costing £20 million and being a full Polish international, the trust in him has been lacking. In a role where players often mature later in their careers, the 25-year-old is still developing. If Mikel Arteta lacks faith in him, why was he signed? The manager’s approach has seemingly influenced fan perception, often discarding talent that doesn’t align with his tactical ethos. Kiwior is aware that Partey was moved out of midfield to accommodate a full-back in central defence, bypassing him. If he starts against Real Madrid, this could be a turning point — but the concern remains whether it will dampen the club’s ambition.

Arsenal have long held an interest in Martin Zubimendi, who continues to impress in La Liga with Real Sociedad. As the summer transfer window approaches, the Gunners are preparing to reinforce their squad and the midfield is expected to be a priority area for strengthening.

Zubimendi has emerged as one of Arsenal’s key targets, with his performances in Spain catching the attention of several top European clubs. The Spanish international is known for his composure, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate play from deep—qualities that align well with Mikel Arteta’s tactical philosophy.

The midfielder reportedly has a release clause in his contract, which Liverpool were prepared to activate last summer. Arsenal, it appears, are also willing to meet that clause in order to bring him to the Emirates Stadium during this transfer window.

Despite their intent and preparation, progress on the deal has been slower than the club would like. The delay is not due to financial or legal complications, but rather the player himself. While Arsenal are ready to move swiftly, Zubimendi has yet to give his full approval to the transfer.

Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, offered an update on the situation: “Arsenal are confident, Arsenal are working on it, Arsenal know the details about the release clause, Arsenal are in contact with the player’s camp, so Arsenal want Zubimendi. They are still waiting for the final green light from the player, still working on that, but Arsenal still maintain their confidence.”

Ian Wright expressed strong disappointment with Arsenal’s performance and approach in their 1-1 draw against Everton, a result that may significantly dent their Premier League title aspirations.

The Gunners went into the match knowing the stakes were high. Starting the day 12 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, nothing less than a win would have sufficed if they were to keep their hopes of lifting the title alive. Facing a notoriously resilient Everton side under the blazing sun at Goodison Park, Mikel Arteta’s men failed to capitalise on their early dominance—a shortcoming that ultimately cost them two valuable points.

Arsenal began the match brightly, controlling possession and taking an early lead. However, they failed to convert that control into a decisive advantage. Their inability to kill off the game allowed Everton to grow in confidence, particularly in the second half. The Toffees responded well, taking advantage of Arsenal’s waning intensity and eventually finding an equaliser that reflected their improved second-half performance.

Liverpool, who had already beaten Everton earlier in the week, would have viewed the draw with satisfaction. Arsenal’s dropped points handed the Reds the opportunity to potentially stretch their lead to 14 points, a commanding margin at this stage of the season.

Reflecting on the match, Wright did not mince his words. Speaking on Premier League Productions, he stated: “It weren’t great. I thought we could have been a lot more clinical. We went in front but we didn’t push to finish the game off. We constantly gave Everton hope they could get something.” His criticism underscored the sense that Arsenal lacked the killer instinct required to see off matches of such significance.

Pundit Jim Beglin believes Arsenal have effectively surrendered their hopes of winning the Premier League title following a disappointing 1-1 draw against Everton this afternoon.

The Gunners approached the fixture with full awareness of the challenge Everton posed. Having seen Liverpool narrowly defeat the Toffees earlier in the week, Arsenal supporters had high expectations that their side would deliver a similar result. The team started brightly, taking the lead and dominating the match in terms of possession and territory. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to break down a resilient Everton side that defended with discipline and capitalised on the few opportunities that came their way.

Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the few that did materialise were not converted. Although Everton’s defensive organisation made life difficult, the Gunners will be disappointed not to have taken all three points, especially given the context of the title race.

The draw has dealt a serious blow to Arsenal’s ambitions of catching Liverpool. With the Reds set to play tomorrow, they now have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to 14 points—an advantage that would be extremely difficult for any rival to overcome at this stage of the season.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Beglin shared his thoughts on the implications of the result, stating: “I would think that’s it for the title. Everyone is convinced that it’s going to end up in this city, across Stanley Park. Everton doing Liverpool a favour – that’s a first!” His comments reflect a growing sentiment that Liverpool are now firm favourites to reclaim the Premier League crown.

With Gabriel Magalhães now ruled out through injury until the end of the season, Arsenal’s squad depth has been further tested at a crucial stage of the campaign. The Brazilian defender’s absence adds to the growing list of sidelined players, leaving Mikel Arteta with fewer options as the Gunners continue their push across multiple competitions.

Arsenal have been plagued by injury problems throughout the season. Key figures such as Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are also expected to miss the remainder of the campaign, compounding the challenges Arteta faces in maintaining consistency and balance within his squad.

The Gunners must now adapt without several of their top performers—a predicament not unique to them. Several Premier League clubs have been similarly affected by injuries, particularly during this intense part of the season. With the increasing demands placed on modern footballers—more matches, additional competitions, heightened travel schedules, and greater physical intensity—the risk of injury has never been higher.

Currently, there are regulations in place limiting the number of players clubs may register for the league. However, given the frequency and severity of injuries across the division, there is a growing argument for a review of these restrictions.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his opinion on the matter, advocating for expanded squad allowances to better cope with the physical demands placed on players. As quoted by the Daily Mail, he stated: