Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Everton were a bit lucky in their game against Arsenal on Friday, and the performance was more like a draw.

Martin Odegaard of Arsenal reacts to Bernd Lenos own goal during Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London - 23rd April 2021 Arsenal v Everton, Premier League, Football, The Emirates Stadium, London, UK - 23 Apr 2021 Photo by Holly Allison/TPI/Shutterstock
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal reacts to Bernd Leno’s own goal during Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London – 23rd April 2021 Arsenal v Everton, Premier League, Football, The Emirates Stadium, London, UK – 23 Apr 2021 Photo by Holly Allison/TPI/Shutterstock

Speaking after Everton’s 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, Carlo Ancelotti was predictably gracious in his evaluation of the match.

First, he admitted that his side had been “a little bit lucky” with the VAR calls on the day. It’s hard to deny that when a pixel or two ruled Nicolas Pepe offside in the build-up to Arsenal’s penalty and ruled Richarlison onside in the build-up to Bernd Leno’s own goal.

There was also a dodgy call on Mason Holgate, where he received just a yellow for an aggressive challenge landing studs-up on Pepe’s ankle. Fortunately, the Arsenal winger’s foot wasn’t planted so no serious damage appears to have been done.

On top of that, Ancelotti was also critical of his team’s actual performance.

“I think honestly it was a draw, to be honest,” the Everton boss said. “Arsenal had control of the ball in the first half. We were not so clinical in possession. Honestly, it was a draw.”

Unfortunately, Ancelotti’s admissions about the fortuitous nature of his side’s victory don’t change the fact that it’s yet another home defeat for Mikel Arteta. Arsenal are getting some terrible luck in pivotal moments, but they’re not doing enough to account for that.