LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Everton manager Sean Dyche reacts on the sidelines during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 10, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The decision to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal in the 51st minute of Everton’s 2-1 Premier League loss to Tottenham infuriated Everton manager Sean Dyche.
Even though Everton had chances and could have scored early in the second half, Spurs took an 18-minute lead thanks to close-range goals from Richarlison and Son Heung-min. The encounter between Everton and Tottenham was made more tense by the controversial decision surrounding Calvert-Lewin’s goal.
After Andre Gomes regained control from Emerson Royal, Dominic Calvert-Lewin rifled in a goal; however, it was disallowed when VAR Michael Oliver gave referee Stuart Attwell instructions to review the play. The goal was disapproved because Gomes was found to have caught the Tottenham full-back on his ankle.
After the game, Sean Dyche expressed his displeasure with the ruling, saying, “I think VAR has over-reffed the moment, where the referee and the linesman have amazing views.” It is obvious that they have decided. They lose all of their years of knowledge and expertise since they will make contact.
“They are going to find contact, they find contact with virtually everything.”
The drama continued as Gomes eventually reduced the deficit for Everton in the 82nd minute. In the dying seconds, substitute Arnaut Danjuma hit the crossbar, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario cleared the loose ball from on the goal line.
In the end the Toffees were unfortunate to leave London without earning a single point despite their best efforts throughout the match.
