The Premier League has issued a statement as to why Thierno Barry’s equaliser during Everton vs Manchester City was allowed to stand, despite the striker appearing to be in an offside position. The goal had been coming for a while after the Toffees piled on the pressure against their visitors, providing Pep Guardiola’s side with an unnerving turning point.
Minutes later, David Moyes and co completed the turnaround when Jake O'Brien rose highest to nod in a second from the corner. It left City in a desperate situation in their hopes of another league title, as they failed to move three points closer to Arsenal at the top of the table, ending the day five points adrift after finding a late equaliser.
It looked like a self-inflicted wound, with Marc Guehi gifting Barry such an easy route to goal. And any suggestion that the wrong decision was made in not overturning the call for Everton’s opener has now been cleared up by the official match centre.
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Premier League Issue Statement on Barry's Equaliser vs Man City
Everton
The official Premier League match centre posted on X:
"The referee’s call of goal for Everton was checked and confirmed by VAR - with it deemed that there was no offside offence as Guehi deliberately played the ball."
Praising Michael Oliver for an "excellent decision", VAR expert Dale Johnson also vindicated the decision for Barry's first of two goals to stand on Monday night by writing on X:
"Marc Guehi was under no pressure by Thierno Barry, in an offside position. Guehi had full control and made a poor pass without the offside player impacting. This resets the offside phase and means Barry is no longer active."
More to follow...