Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Everton took a point today in the Premier League against Hull City, and there was more controversy involving Brennan Johnson and offside.
Before the international break, Everton saw a goal ruled out for offside against Ipswich Town, when Johnson was adjudged to be interfering with the goalkeeper as Thierno Barry scored a header. The goal was chalked off.
Against Hull today in the 2-2 draw, Everton thought they’d taken the lead through Johnson. But the goal was chalked off because Johnson was offside. He was beyond Hull goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis when the ball came to him.
But some were perplexed because the shot from Harrison Armstrong hit two Hull players before falling to him.
Now, David Moyes has just reacted to the incident.
David Moyes reacts to Brennan Johnson offside goal vs Hull
Moyes has largely accepted the decision. But the Scot believes it was very tight, and stated that he hoped lines had been drawn correctly.
Speaking straight after the game, Moyes said (via BBC Sport): “Look I think we have a shot and he could be offside with the shot that is blocked and he scored the rebound. I accept that well enough.
“But I just don’t know if the goalkeeper’s heel is playing him on. I hope they’ve put the lines on and done it correctly.
“We were annoyed with the players at half-time with the way they had played in the first half, so we were expecting a good start. But we get beaten and miskick the ball and they get in to score. It meant we had to find a way to get back which we did do, deservedly so.
“But in the end, coming away with a point from here you shouldn’t be too disappointed when you look at the results they got against Manchester United and Aston Villa here. They’ve got something going.
“But I thought when we went 2-1 up there wouldn’t be any winners but us.”
Premier League issue statement on Johnson offside goal
The Premier League gave the reason why the goal was disallowed, which was as follows: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Everton – with Johnson in an offside position and deemed to be challenging an opponent for the ball. REF: “Everton No.22 is in an offside position and challenges Hull No.3.
“Final decision is offside.”
A frustrating one to take for Everton. But the Toffees were in a position to win the game today and should have seen the contest out better.
The Hull equaliser was a poor one to concede, and Moyes will be disappointed at the uncharacteristic loss of defensive solidity.