Arsenal have been handed some fresh penalty verdicts following Saturday night’s narrow 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Gunners were in desperate need of a win against the Toffees after Manchester City had leapfrogged them in the table earlier in the day. Despite it being a relatively low-incident game in front of goal, a first-half penalty from Viktor Gyokeres proved to be the difference.

It was one of a handful of penalty incidents involving both teams across the 90 minutes, with Arsenal not awarded a spot-kick by the referee moments before Gyokeres stepped up to score. The hosts were also denied a penalty in the second half, despite William Saliba catching Everton forward Thierno Barry in the box.

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Jake O’Brien was eventually penalised for handball before Arsenal’s penalty, but he could have been punished for a challenge on Gyokeres seconds earlier. According to former referee Dermot Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, it was unclear whether there was enough contact from O'Brien on the Arsenal striker, but if a penalty was given, it would also have resulted in a red card.

"I think if Gyokeres stands up he heads the ball in the net," Gallagher explained on Monday morning. "O'Brien touches him. Is there enough contact for him to go down? I'm not sure.

"What I would say is that if the referee gives a penalty, he also gives a red card."

Former professional footballer Jay Bothroyd was also of the opinion that Gyokeres should have been stronger in that position, and could have found the net had he stayed on his feet.

"I've been in those situations before," the ex-Arsenal academy striker added. "I've been consistent with this. Players need to be strong if they feel a little contact in the area. I genuinely think that in that scenario, Gyokeres has to be stronger.

"If he's been shoved then yes [it should be a penalty]. But he hasn't been shoved. He should stay on his feet and he could've headed it in."

Regarding the incident in which Saliba appeared to kick Barry in the box, with the Everton forward reaching the ball first, there is little evidence to suggest it should have been a penalty. Referee Sam Barrott did not award a spot-kick and VAR stuck with his on-field decision, with Gallagher inclined to agree it was the right call.

"I have gone through the archives of this season and I couldn't find any similar incident where a penalty had been awarded," the ex-official continued. "I think the referees have been consistent.

"Both players go to kick the ball at the same time and Saliba catches Barry, there's no doubt about that. But I've looked through the previous 16 weeks and haven't found one similar incident where they've given a penalty.

"They don't feel the contact is enough and VAR felt the same. Once the penalty is not given on the field, it's very hard for VAR to give it because it is not a clear and obvious error."

The victory on Merseyside ensures Arsenal are top of the Premier League at Christmas, two points clear of nearest challengers Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side return to action on Saturday with the visit of Brighton to the Emirates Stadium as they look to continue their title charge.