Jamie Redknapp has slammed the decision not to award Arsenal a penalty against Everton.

The former Liverpool midfielder criticised the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, branding it "an absolute disgrace" after Kai Havertz was denied a spot-kick. The German international got the wrong side of Toffees defender Michael Keane after an incisive pass from Ebere Eze before going to ground.

Replays appeared to show Havertz's left ankle being stood on by thedefender but referee Andy Madley wasn't interested as he waved away play. The incident was checked and cleared quickly by VAR but Havertz was left outraged by the decision from the on-field referee.

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Redknapp was animated about the decision as he felt Arsenal should have had a penalty. He said: "Watch as he goes past him, watch his left foot. It's so clear.

"How on earth have VAR took three seconds to say there's no penalty? It's a horrendous decision. It's a penalty, it should be overturned.

"You're stepping across to use your body, when he's in front you've got to get out of his way. You (Presenter Dave Jones) sound like VAR now (is he already going down?) .

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"The fact it took such a short amount of time, we see VAR decisions and everyone at home see it's not a penalty or a bad decision taking five or 10 minutes. That, they've taken three seconds, it's an absolute disgrace."

Daniel Sturridge, who was alongside Redknapp analysing Arsenal and Everton in the Sky Sports studio, said: "There's enough, you can clearly see he's kicked him. He's tried to guide him, for me, he's kicked him".

The Premier League Match Centre posted an explanation on the social media platform X, describing the contact as "minimal" between Keane and Havertz.

It read: "The referee’s call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact from Keane on Havertz deemed to be minimal."

Arsenal faced another must-win at the Emirates Stadium as Everton's visit marked the final Premier League match before the international break.

The Gunners could have extended their gap to ten points before Manchester City's encounter with West Ham United (8pm kick-off) before they take on Pep Guardiola's side in the Carabao Cup final, next Sunday.

However, Everton and Arteta's former manager David Moyes were looking to dent their title aspirations on Saturday, bolstering their own European chances.

It was the Toffees who had the best chances with Riccardo Calafiori brilliantly denying Beto's effort from six yards. Moments later, Dwight McNeil's curling effort struck the post.

In the second-half, David Raya came to the rescue as he brilliantly saved with his outstretched right-leg to thwart the visitors taking the lead.

Havertz had a great opportunity on the hour mark but his effort was fumbled by Jordan Pickford.