David Moyes has questioned whether Everton will get consistency from VAR this season after Thierno Barry had a second goal ruled out in the win over Ipswich Town.
Barry had already put Everton ahead in the 11th minute when a volley from James Tarkowski struck him on the chest and wrong-footed Christian Walton. He thought he had another shortly before the hour, heading home from a corner before VAR intervened.
Brennan Johnson was in an offside position and was adjudged to have interfered with Walton.
Moyes doubtful over VAR consistency
Moyes was not convinced Johnson had prevented Walton from saving Barry’s header and wondered whether the same interpretation would be applied throughout the season.
“I think [the rule is whether] it affects his ability to save it, which I didn’t think was the case. But look, it’s really difficult for the referees. We understand that. Do I think we’ll get consistency from that decision through all the season? I’ll be doubtful of that. The goalkeeper wouldn’t have saved it. He got taken a little bit to the front post by the runner, Brennan Johnson.”
There was no argument over Johnson being offside. Moyes’ problem was what happened next and whether Walton had actually been prevented from making a save.
Referee Stuart Attwell had been confirmed for the game earlier in the week, with full details in our Everton v Ipswich referee guide.
Moyes also felt the incident was very different from some of the blocking of goalkeepers he had seen last season.
“But it was nothing like last year, last year they were blocking the goalkeepers and doing all sorts of things. It was nothing like that at all. There’s no doubt that Brennan was in an offside position, but did he interfere, really? Was the goalkeeper ever going to save it? Ultimately, it didn’t make any difference to the result. So, thankfully, that was OK.”
At least Everton were not left counting the cost. Barry’s first goal stood and proved enough to win the game.
Our look at Moyes’ tactical plan and the role of Jack Grealish has more on how the manager has set up his side this season.
Everton fail to make chances count
Moyes had other frustrations. Johnson missed a one-on-one opportunity inside the opening five minutes and Everton eventually finished with 21 attempts but only two on target.
Ipswich caused problems too. Abdul Fatawu and Emersonn both forced saves from Jordan Pickford, while Leif Davis was unable to make the most of an opening at the far post.
Fatawu was later sent off after receiving a second yellow card, but Everton could not add to their lead against 10 men.
“Look, we had big chances to go further in front today. We didn’t. We started quite well, got the goal and looked as if we were going to be fine. Ipswich had a period in the middle of the first half and then we came back into it just before the end of the first half. They started a bit better in the second half and then, once the player got sent off, I thought we should have gone on and scored more. So credit to Ipswich for sticking with it and hanging in, they made it a bit nervy at the end. But overall, we did the job. We had a difficult week with a game on Wednesday and today.”
Everton had beaten Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before returning to Premier League action three days later. Moyes was therefore happy enough with the result, if not everything he had seen.
The win also continued Everton’s strong start under Moyes.
Barry goal leaves Moyes with a question
A player can be in an offside position without committing an offence. Johnson was penalised because the officials decided his involvement affected Walton as Barry’s header went towards goal.
Moyes saw it differently and, with the points already secured, his concern was what happens when the next similar incident comes along.
On this occasion it cost Everton only a second goal. Barry still had his fifth of the season, Everton had the win and Moyes could afford to question the decision without it dominating his afternoon.
The Liverpool Echo’s report carries more from Moyes’ post-match press conference.
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