Iliman Ndiaye penalty denies Arsenal win in Everton draw at Goodison Park

Arsenal slip to a 1-1 draw as Iliman Ndiaye's spot-kick stalls title hopes.

Iliman Ndiaye celebrates after scoring his side's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Goodison Park on April 5, 2025, in Liverpool, England. Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Iliman Ndiaye penalty denies Arsenal win in a gripping Premier League encounter at Goodison Park on Saturday, as Everton held the title-chasing Gunners to a 1-1 draw. The result delivered a frustrating blow to Arsenal’s hopes of keeping pace with league leaders Liverpool, while offering Everton a valuable point in their battle to climb the table.

The draw means Everton rise to 14th in the standings, a welcome shift from the relegation conversation that has loomed over them this season. Meanwhile, Arsenal, sitting second with 62 points, missed a key opportunity to close the gap at the top. Despite controlling long stretches of the match, the Gunners were undone by a resilient Everton side that refused to collapse under pressure.

From the opening whistle, Mikel Arteta’s men looked sharp and determined. The Gunners pressed high, forcing multiple early corners, but Jordan Pickford stood tall between the posts. The England international was unfazed by Arsenal’s repeated advances, organizing his backline with confidence and pulling off some early stops that kept his side level.

Everton, for their part, were pinned back in the first 20 minutes, content to absorb the pressure and wait for opportunities on the counter or from set pieces. A half-chance fell their way when Jake O’Brien chested down a free kick in the box, but the move fizzled out before threatening David Raya in the Arsenal goal.

Arsenal strike first but fail to seal the game

The breakthrough finally came in the 34th minute, when a defensive error by the home side allowed Raheem Sterling to pick out Leandro Trossard. From a tight angle, Trossard fired a low shot past Pickford, giving Arsenal a deserved 1-0 lead. It was a moment of clinical precision from the Belgian, who has quietly become a reliable finisher for Arsenal this season.

That goal should have given Arsenal the platform to push for more. With their passing fluid and their press relentless, it seemed only a matter of time before a second goal would arrive. However, Everton tightened their shape and reached halftime with the score still 1-0.

In the second half, Arteta introduced Bukayo Saka, hoping to inject more attacking threat and put the game beyond doubt. But the narrative changed almost immediately.

Ndiaye delivers a vital response

Just four minutes after the restart, Everton found a lifeline. A swift move down the right led to Jack Harrison being brought down inside the box by Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. Referee Darren England pointed to the spot, and after a brief VAR check, the penalty decision stood.

Iliman Ndiaye stepped up with confidence and sent Raya the wrong way. His composed finish into the bottom corner tied the match at 1-1 and sent the Goodison crowd into celebration. It was Ndiaye’s third goal of the season, but perhaps the most important one so far, considering the implications for both sides.

Following the equalizer, Everton grew into the game. Their midfield, buoyed by the return of Amadou Onana, began to assert more control. Abdoulaye Doucouré nearly gave the hosts a shock lead with a powerful drive, forcing Raya into a full-stretch save.

Arsenal search for a winner

Despite the setback, Arsenal pushed hard for a second goal. Trossard remained lively, forcing Pickford into a strong save midway through the second half. Substitute Martin Ødegaard also came close, but his shot flew just wide of the far post.

In the final ten minutes, Arteta threw on Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey, switching to a more aggressive setup. But Everton stood firm. James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite led a resolute defensive performance, blocking shots and clearing crosses to preserve the point.

By full-time, Arsenal had recorded over 70% possession and nearly double the number of shots Everton had, but they couldn’t find a winner. As the final whistle blew, the sense of frustration among the Arsenal players was palpable, while the Everton faithful applauded their side's grit and determination.

Implications for the title race

This result means Arsenal fall further behind Liverpool, who now have the chance to stretch their lead at the top with a game in hand. For Arteta, it was another missed opportunity to capitalize on a winnable fixture.

The Gunners still have tough fixtures ahead, including away matches against Manchester United and Tottenham, and they’ll need to be sharper in front of goal if they are to stay in the title race. With Manchester City also in the hunt, dropped points at this stage could prove costly.

For Everton, the draw is a boost to morale. After a difficult season marred by financial scrutiny and point deductions, their fight for Premier League survival continues. Sean Dyche’s side showed they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best when they stay disciplined and capitalize on key moments.

Ndiaye making his mark

Iliman Ndiaye’s performance was a standout. Beyond the penalty, he offered energy, link-up play, and tracked back defensively when needed. After a slow start to his Premier League career, Ndiaye is beginning to find his rhythm, and his contributions in critical matches like this could prove vital for Everton’s hopes of staying clear of danger.

Dyche praised his forward after the game, saying, “Iliman showed composure, courage, and real quality. That’s what we need from every player.”

What's next?

Arsenal will return to action next weekend in a crucial clash with Aston Villa at the Emirates. Every game from now on is a must-win if they are to realistically challenge Liverpool for the title.

Everton, meanwhile, will face Brentford away — a match that offers another chance to widen the gap from the relegation zone and build on their hard-earned momentum.

The Premier League title race remains wide open, but this result is a reminder that nothing comes easy in English football. For Arsenal, the road ahead just got a little bumpier, and for Everton, belief in survival just got a little stronger.