Everton are almost back in Premier League action as a meeting with Aston Villa awaits, but there could be a problem.
After an international break, which was unwelcome by fans, the Toffees are almost back and will be hoping to pick up from where they left off.
David Moyes has brought the feel-good factor back, and a win against Villa could propel Everton into the top four.
After their start to this campaign, pundits think Everton are the ‘best of the rest’ as it’s clear an exciting season could be in store.
Well, despite a brilliant opening few games, there might be mixed reviews on a new announcement from the Premier League.
Referee Simon Hooper during Tottenham vs Bournemouth.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Simon Hooper appointed referee for Everton vs Aston Villa
Referees have already taken centre stage in the top flight this campaign, and despite the Blues performing, it doesn’t mean they’ve had decisions go their way.
Richard Keys said the Leeds United penalty was ‘poor’ as it seems like Chris Kavanagh is a referee added to Moyes’ bad books.
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The referee this Saturday will be hoping to avoid the same, as Simon Hooper will be the man in the middle for the second game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It’s a chance for the Toffees to build some serious momentum, but after last season, fans might be wary of this appointment.
Simon Hooper made some bizarre errors against Everton last season
In recent times, Hooper hasn’t exactly been a name looked on with fondness by Evertonians.
This is due to mistakes made last season, as right at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Hooper had a bizarre VAR error vs Brighton, where the monitor stopped working, but there were suggestions the official could still see the screen, as he didn’t award the Toffees a penalty.
This wasn’t the only incident last season, as Hooper awarded a wrong Man City corner when Jeremy Doku carried the ball out of play.
The resulting set-piece led to a goal, as it’s not a good look on Hooper’s part, who also doesn’t have the best record when refereeing the Blues.
Games refereed Everton wins Everton draws Everton losses
14 4 3 7
Simon Hooper’s Premier League record with Everton, as per worldfootball.net
Adding to this, his only red card in a game when officiating Everton came when Ashley Young received his marching orders vs Brighton from that same fixture last campaign.
Hopefully Moyes’ side get the rub of the green with Hooper, but history doesn’t bode well.