🔴 BREAKING NEWS: Tension at the Emirates! 😱 Arsenal’s quest for a victory against Everton was thwarted after VAR reviewed a potential penalty involving Thomas Partey but opted not to award it. Following Liverpool FC’s stumble against Fulham, Arsenal missed the chance to take advantage, as Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves at the center of yet another VAR controversy.

A former Premier League referee has openly criticized the officiating during Arsenal’s goalless draw with Everton, highlighting a significant error that he believes influenced the outcome of the match. According to him, Arsenal was denied a clear penalty when Thomas Partey was fouled by an Everton player before any contact was made with the ball. This decision, or lack thereof, has sparked renewed debates about the reliability and consistency of VAR in the Premier League.

The incident, clearly visible in replays, showed Partey being impeded, yet VAR chose not to intervene. This left Arsenal fans and players visibly upset, as they felt an opportunity to change the game’s dynamics was unfairly taken away. Questions surrounding VAR’s purpose and application have only intensified following this controversial moment, adding to a growing list of grievances for Premier League teams and supporters alike.

Arsenal’s frustrations were not limited to the officiating. Despite Liverpool’s earlier 2-2 draw with Fulham providing an opportunity for the Gunners to close the gap in the title race, Mikel Arteta’s side failed to capitalize. Their struggles in front of goal extended their drought from open play to three matches, a worrying trend for a team with title ambitions.

The Gunners dominated possession, controlling 75% of the ball in the first half. However, they struggled to break through a disciplined and resolute Everton defense. Arsenal’s inability to convert their control into clear-cut opportunities was emblematic of their recent struggles, leaving fans and players increasingly frustrated as the match wore on.

One of Arsenal’s few bright moments came in the 30th minute when Bukayo Saka, following a superb pass from Kai Havertz, set up Martin Ødegaard. The Arsenal captain’s left-footed shot seemed destined for the net, but Jordan Pickford, in exceptional form, produced a stunning save to deny him. Pickford’s inspired performance played a crucial role in keeping Everton level.

Everton’s defensive organization successfully neutralized Arsenal’s attacking threats. While the visitors had limited chances of their own, Abdoulaye Doucouré’s early effort and other sporadic attempts failed to trouble Arsenal significantly. Gabriel, returning from injury, made a vital intervention in the sixth minute to prevent Doucouré from potentially opening the scoring.

As the final whistle blew, a chorus of boos filled the Emirates Stadium, reflecting the fans’ dissatisfaction with both the team’s performance and the refereeing. The draw left Arsenal six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have played one game fewer, and one point behind Chelsea, who also have a match in hand. This result added to the growing pressure on the team to rediscover their form.

Arsenal’s inability to convert dominant performances into victories remains their Achilles’ heel, with the January transfer window looming as an opportunity to address these recurring issues. The match not only underscored the Gunners’ attacking shortcomings but also amplified the ongoing scrutiny of Premier League officiating. Whether Arsenal can recover from this setback and remain in the title race is uncertain, but the challenges for both the team and the league’s referees are mounting.