Everton were able to keep their unbeaten run going with a draw on Saturday against West Ham United.
The two sides came into the game with only goal difference separating them in the Premier League table.
David Moyes and his side still remain above the Hammers following another goal from Jake O’Brien late in the game.
Tomas Soucek scored the opening goal of the game that provided the Hammers with what looked to be all three points.
Ahead of the game, Soucek admitted he loved playing at Goodison Park, and that proved to be the case on Saturday.
Ironically, the midfielder is a player who the Toffees have been linked to ahead of the summer transfer window.
It is a game which could have played out so much differently had Everton‘s penalty awarded in the first 45 minutes stood.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
Mike Dean shares VAR verdict over Everton penalty vs West Ham
Beto has been in fine form for Everton since being given the opportunity in the starting XI by Moyes.
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And the striker thought he was about to have the chance to end his two-game goal drought from the penalty spot.
After consulting the monitor, referee Darren Bond overturned his initial decision, and it was a call Mike Dean found laughable.
“It looks funny when you watch it. He’s kicked the floor and gone down. It’s not a penalty,” he said live on Sky Sports.
“You shouldn’t laugh but… It’s a terrible call, it’s awful.”
This decision comes just weeks after Everton had a penalty overturned against Manchester United, which caused fury among the supporters.
The suspected foul on Beto from the West Ham defenders may not quite receive the same backlash, with it looking on second viewing like the striker kicked the ground.
However, Everton fans will be frustrated to see yet another VAR decision go against them.
Premier League release Everton vs West Ham VAR statement
It was not just the former Premier League referee who had something to say on the decision.
The Premier League shared their own statement on the penalty decision during the game at Goodison Park.
‘VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Kilman on Beto – and deemed that no foul was committed, therefore recommended an on-field review,’ the statement read.
#EVEWHU – 44’ VAR OVERTURN
VAR checked the referee’s call of penalty to Everton for a challenge by Kilman on Beto – and deemed that no foul was committed, therefore recommended an on-field review. The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) March 15, 2025
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‘The referee overturned the original decision and play restarted with a drop ball.’
Everton now head into the international break knowing they have a huge game in the form of the Merseyside Derby when they return.
Moyes was awarded the Manager of the Month award on Friday, the curse almost struck once again, but the late goal saved their unbeaten run going from going down the drain.