Everton once again fought hard yesterday, in a performance that sort of summed up their campaign.
However, for all the solidity they exhibited and the half chances they squandered on the break, in the end, the quality of Arsenal rang true.
But that was not before a huge slice of fortune emerged, with the ball seeming to strike Gabriel Jesus’ arm in the build-up to the second and decisive goal for Mikel Arteta’s side.
It has naturally sparked mass intrigue on Merseyside, and whilst the result remains meaningless for both sides, it is more a matter of principle.
And once again the Toffees have been on the wrong side of such a decision, much to the frustration of many.
Alan Shearer makes bold call about Arsenal’s winner vs Everton
Unsurprisingly, Sean Dyche fumed at VAR post-match for the role it played in his side’s downfall.
He took little time to voice his grievances, even hinting that the Gunners’ role as title challengers enhanced the likelihood that decisions would go their way.
However, in the mainstream media, he seems one of few, aside from a sole comment from Ally McCoist who also suggested the goal should not have stood.
In fact, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day just last night, Alan Shearer actually commended Michael Oliver for being called to the monitor but sticking with his decision.
The Newcastle United legend noted: ‘Well he was sent to the screen by VAR, Michael Oliver. You can see that Tarkowski goes in with Jesus and it does hit his arm.
‘But I wish more referees had done this this season when they’ve been sent to the screen and then had the courage to stick by their original decision, because he’s not the goal scorer, it’s not deliberate handball, his arm is tucked right down.
‘So I think it was the correct decision from Michael Oliver, to stick with his decision.
‘I know it was a little bit of luck with how it got to Havertz and he stuck it away, but it was the right decision in my opinion.’
Nobody cares that Everton were cheated by VAR again
Whilst it may not come as a surprise, given the title still went to Manchester City anyway, but this marks yet another occasion where the Toffees fell fowl to a VAR decision that could have gone either way.
However, going off what almost every referee has done this season when an arm has been involved in the build-up to a goal, it was ludicrous that Oliver decided this, the final day of the campaign, to buck that trend.
People are so often frustrated with officials, not only due to their incompetence, but also their inconsistency.
A penalty waved away for Everton one week might be given to another team the next, and that is only bound to draw scrutiny from Sean Dyche and the fans.
But the Premier League and its refereeing department seemingly do not care, as the standard never changes, and the apologies mean nothing. Fortunately, there was not more riding on this game for the visitors.