Graham Potter, Dermot Gallagher, West Ham, Everton, Premier League
(Credit: Imago/Sky Sports)
Declan Carr
Mon 17 March 2025 13:40, UK
West Ham were at the heart of controversy yet again in their 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday.
The Irons took the lead at Goodison Park on 15 March through a second-half Tomas Soucek effort but were denied all three points by a late Jake O’Brien equaliser.
Graham Potter was left scratching his head earlier though, as Beto was handed a penalty after a coming together in the box before VAR intervened.
Potter has had a tough time in East London so far. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham get help from VAR after referee error v Everton
On the verge of half-time, Konstantinos Mavropanos was judged to have fouled Beto in the penalty area and referee Darren Bond pointed the spot.
However, the Hammers’ blushes were spared as the referee changed his mind after VAR had sent him to the monitor, with the Blues star having kicked the ground.
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Speaking on Sky Sports (17 March, 11:28 am), Dermot Gallagher reacted to the decision, saying: “A number of issues: clearly not a penalty as Beto kicks the ground and not Mavropanos. Not a penalty.
“VAR intervened very, very quickly. He took a look at the screen once and said no.
“Mavropanos was never fearful that was going to be a penalty.”
1Konstantinos Mavropanos
Mavropanos was involved in the incident v Everton. (Credit: Imago)
Potter needs West Ham to finish the season strongly
A draw against this version of Everton is a solid result, considering that former West Ham boss David Moyes has them on a nine-match unbeaten run.
Potter needs the Hammers to finish the season strongly and therefore get back to winning ways with nine matches left to play.
Premier League Played GD Points
15. Everton 29 -4 34
16. West Ham 29 -16 34
17. Wolves 29 -18 26
Premier League table.
The former Chelsea man will hope to set the foundations for next season in the closing stages of this one, as he hopes to take the Irons back up the Premier League table, towards European qualification.
He has had a tough start after replacing Julen Lopetegui but results are starting to improve and once he has implemented his squad at the London Stadium and gotten rid of the deadwood, the positive trajectory should continue.
Expecting a manager to come in and completely change a club in half a season is ridiculous, supporters need to stay patient and trust the process under Potter, as he has shown he is a very good squad builder in the past, mainly in his time at Brighton rather than his ill-fated time across London.
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