Everton conceded yet another penalty on Sunday in their victory against Brighton & Hove Albion.
David Moyes will feel some pressure fall off his shoulders after the Blues sealed their first three points of the season.
There was plenty to excite Everton fans on the opening of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the full debut of Jack Grealish a real positive.
Last week’s game against Leeds United saw a lot of controversy following the penalty award.
Speaking to Everton News, Mark Clattenburg agreed with the Leeds penalty decision, which secured the points for the Whites.
It was another handball awarded against Everton on Sunday against Brighton, but Jordan Pickford was able to deny this one.
Once again, controversy has sparked as a result of the decision against the Blues.
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Dermot Gallagher shares Everton vs Brighton penalty verdict
Having saved the spot kick, Pickford hit back over his penalty cheat sheet, which the likes of Jamie O’Hara have called for to be banned.
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Although no harm was done in the end, there have been conflicting views on the decision to award the penalty in the first place.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Dermot Gallagher has shared his honest thoughts on Stuart Attwell’s decision to penalise Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
“It is harsh, but it’s the rule. If you look at it his arm is out, it hits his arm, it’s a shot on goal. So, it’s always going to be punished,” he said.
“Once your arm is up that high, it’s always going to be given.”
"That shouldn't be a penalty in my eyes"
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was unfortunate to concede a penalty against Brighton, according to Jay Bothroyd pic.twitter.com/yW73XEznf3
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 25, 2025
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“I don’t think that is an unnatural position, to be honest. I think his arm is actually close to his body,” replied Jay Bothroyd.
“I don’t think that should be a penalty.”
After the opening day defeat, Moyes claimed those behind the scenes think it was a harsh penalty to have been awarded at Elland Road.
For the second week in a row, Moyes may well feel the decisions went against his side despite picking up the points.
David Moyes hails ‘strange’ Jordan Pickford
Last week, Moyes was spotted furious with Pickford, following a poor pass which put his defence under pressure.
This time around, the England number one was the hero, but Moyes did admit there were still some strange moments from his goalkeeper.
“Some of his decisions are a bit strange at times and have got me pulling my hair out but he’s a top goalkeeper and that’s why he has been England’s best goalkeeper and still is,” he said.
“You need people who can make big decisions and you need your goalkeeper to save a penalty when it is required.”
Things look to be on the up for Everton, and perhaps the biggest positive is there is still room for improvement despite the win.