Keith Hackett believes Thomas Partey should have faced disciplinary action following Arsenal’s goalless draw with Everton at The Emirates on December 14. The game saw a late penalty appeal from Arsenal after Vitalii Mykolenko’s challenge on Partey, which the referee dismissed.
Hackett, a former head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), supported the referee’s decision but felt an additional measure could have strengthened the official’s authority.
Speaking to Goodison News, Hackett remarked, “The referee made the correct call – not a penalty. However, the Arsenal player went down attempting to deceive the referee. A yellow card for simulation would have reinforced the decision.”
Mykolenko’s defensive display was commendable, as he played a vital role in containing Arsenal’s attacking threats, including star winger Bukayo Saka.
His timely interventions and disciplined defending were critical, particularly the clean challenge on Partey late in the match.
The result was a positive outcome for Everton manager Sean Dyche, whose side maintained a three-point cushion above the relegation zone. With a game in hand, Everton now shifts focus to their upcoming Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean also agreed with Hackett’s assessment, supporting the decision to deny Arsenal’s penalty appeal. Everton’s determined performance earned them a valuable point and preserved their clean sheet.
In a related development, former footballer Tim Sherwood lauded one Everton player for an impressive showing against Bukayo Saka, highlighting the team’s resolute defensive effort throughout the match.
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