Arsenal beat Everton 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a Viktor Gyokeres penalty but David Moyes' home side believed they should have been awarded a spot-kick of their own
Everton manager David Moyes with the fourth official during Everton vs Arsenal
Everton manager David Moyes with the fourth official during Everton vs Arsenal
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Everton manager David Moyes said he would "probably be fined" if he shared his on-field conversations with referee Sam Barrott after his team's defeat to Arsenal. The match hinged on two penalties, with Arsenal awarded theirs but Everton denied a chance to equalise from the spot.
A VAR check took place after an incident involving Arsenal defender William Saliba and Everton striker Thierno Barry. Ultimately, the on-field decision of no penalty was upheld - and Moyes appeared none too happy.
“I’d like to [tell you about the discussion with the referee] but I’d probably be fined," Moyes told Sky Sports. "You need to find a way so we can talk about the referees or don’t bother asking me.”
"A lot of things didn’t quite suit and go our way. There were quite a few people going down and the referee was blowing up for them. It’s a different football club here. We play tough and we expect the referee’s to do the same."
The Premier League Match Centre's explanation read: "The referee’s call of no penalty to Everton was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed the contact from Saliba on Barry wasn’t sufficient for a penalty." Moyes added: "They come up with new words for every decision don’t they."
Everton remain in the top half despite their defeat, but a lack of goals may be a worry. Only Nottingham Forest and Wolves have scored fewer than Moyes' men, though a return of six clean sheets is nothing to be sniffed at.
Arsenal, meanwhile, guaranteed they sit top of the table at Christmas after a 12th win in 17 matches. Both of the last two have been nervy affairs, though, with a last-minute winner required at home to Wolves before the victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring for Arsenal at Everton
Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal of the game at Hill Dickinson Stadium
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Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after Jake O'Brien's handball and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was pleased to see the Swede score his first goal since returning from injury at the end of November. "That's what I hoped and they have to take initiative on the pitch. They decide that Viktor is the best taker and he scored, so what a great decision," the manager said.
"You need to enjoy the process of winning and that's going to be hard moments, difficult moments, great moments., That's all part of that intention and how close we are winning and that's why we have to enjoy and take it game by game."
He also suggested the Gunners might have made things a little more comfortable for themselves, saying: "We had three big open chances that if you want to be more relaxed at the end you have to take those chances in the Premier League. Those moments that you have to be more clinical to have bigger margins"
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