Martin Keown slams Arsenal player over contentious Everton penalty call

Martin Keown questions Myles Lewis-Skelly’s judgment after conceding controversial penalty in Arsenal draw

Martin Keown has criticised Myles Lewis-Skelly’s decision-making following the youngster’s involvement in a contentious penalty incident during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Everton.

Leandro Trossard had given Arsenal the lead with a powerful finish, and nearly doubled it before half-time, only to be denied by Jordan Pickford. However, Everton equalised early in the second half when Lewis-Skelly was penalised for a foul on Jack Harrison in the box. Though replays showed minimal contact, referee Darren England’s decision was upheld by VAR, and Iliman Ndiaye converted from the spot.

Former Arsenal and Everton defender Keown, speaking on TNT Sports, felt the contact was too slight to justify a penalty. He pointed out that Lewis-Skelly misjudged the ball and engaged in an unnecessary physical tussle with Harrison instead of focusing on the ball.

“I don’t think there’s enough contact there for a penalty – it’s very soft,” Keown said. “If I were advising him, I’d say he should’ve just gone for the ball. He’ll look back and realise he could’ve cleared it.”

Keown also criticised referee Darren England for what he described as several puzzling decisions throughout the match, including missed obstruction calls on the goalkeeper.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta echoed Keown’s sentiments, calling the penalty decision “very clear” in its inaccuracy. Speaking to beIN Sports, Arteta said the team had conceded nothing other than the disputed spot-kick and was frustrated by the officiating.

“In my opinion, it’s not a penalty. There’s not enough contact, and what little contact there is starts outside the box,” Arteta insisted.