Everton manager David Moyes and Mike DeanAheed Abrar
Everton pegged Arsenal back at Goodison Park on Saturday, but the 1-1 draw wasn’t without its controversy as Mike Dean made his feelings known.
David Moyes’ team hosted Mikel Arteta’s side at home on 5 April as the visitors’ charge for the title took a hit.
Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the Gunners before Iliman Ndiaye found the back of the net to equalise for the Toffees.
The Senegal international scored from the spot after Darren England awarded a penalty at Goodison Park as Jack Harrison was deemed to have been impeded in the opposition box.
Everton manager David Moyes
Arsenal conceded a penalty at Goodison Park. (Credit: Imago)
Everton penalty v Arsenal the right call
England’s call to award the Blues a penalty against Arsenal was right, Dean says.
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The former referee believes the officials at Goodison Park made the appropriate call, as Harrison was brought down just after the break.
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Ndiaye’s Premier League record this season.
While the decision has raised some eyebrows, Dean sided with the on-field referee when giving his take on the incident.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (5 April, 13:43), the Englishman said: “Well, the referee gives it, I just have to confirm whether it’s right or wrong. But I think it’s probably not wrong.”
Moyes fortunate to see penalty at Goodison Park
Moyes was arguably lucky to see England point to the spot at Goodison Park, as the decision seemed soft.
Had it gone against the Merseyside outfit, the home fans wouldn’t have been pleased, but they won’t complain about the end result.
The Toffees were on a nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League before being beaten by Liverpool at Anfield on 2 April.
While the Scottish manager has brought much-needed stability to Everton since his return, there are glaring gaps that still need to be addressed in the squad.
Jarrad Branthwaite has been impressive at the back this season, but James Tarkowski has had some questionable moments, highlighting the need for defensive reinforcements next summer.
Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young may also soon leave as their contracts at Goodison Park expire at the end of the season, leaving The Friedkin Group (TFG) with a lot of work to do at the end of the season.
The Toffees didn’t look like scoring before they were awarded the penalty against Arsenal, and that’s another area that needs to be looked at.
Goals have dried up for Beto in recent matches, and Moyes doesn’t have a lot of options to choose from in the number nine position due to injuries.
How the Blues will fare until the end of the season remains to be seen.
