Premier League admits VAR blunder in Everton’s narrow loss to Arsenal

The Premier League has officially confirmed that Everton was denied a clear penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on December 20. 

The league’s Key Match Incidents Panel ruled that William Saliba’s challenge on Thierno Barry was an officiating error, validating the frustrations of Toffees boss David Moyes.

The incident occurred in the 58th minute when Saliba’s boot made contact with Barry inside the box, a foul ignored by referee Sam Barrott on the pitch. While Moyes claimed he was "half-choking" over the missed call at the time, the panel has now narrowly voted 3-2 that a spot-kick should have been awarded.

Crucially, the panel also faulted VAR Michael Salisbury for failing to intervene and recommend an on-field review of the "clear and obvious" mistake. The majority of the board noted that Saliba carelessly kicked the Everton forward without making any contact with the ball, contradicting the initial ruling.

The fallout from this error has significant implications for the Premier League standings as we enter 2026. Had Everton converted the penalty and secured a draw, they would currently occupy seventh place rather than their current position in eighth.