Everton lost to West Ham United, but a controversial decision is dominating the post-game analysis.
The Toffees fell to a 2-1 defeat at London Stadium, losing late to a Callum Wilson goal.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had equalised for Everton, but there was to be no point on the road – and the result could be very damaging.
Who was Everton’s worst player in the defeat against West Ham? 🫣
West Ham United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
It was a poor performance from Everton.
But they might have got away with it, had one decision gone for them towards the end of the match.
Thierno Barry was receiving a throw-in, and was tightly marked in the box by Mateus Fernandes. While grappling Barry, Fernandes pushed the ball out of play with his hand.
The on-field decision was no penalty, and that was then upheld by VAR.
Moyes was left fuming over the handball incident, and what Nuno Espirito Santo said tells its own story.
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Nuno Espirito Santo sheepish as Everton stung by VAR vs West Ham
Nuno Espirito Santo puts his head in his hands.
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This incident came a few minutes before Dewsbury-Hall equalised for Everton, but had the penalty been given and converted, the Toffees would have found a bit more time in the game to find a winner.
The Premier League said of the handball incident: “The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that Fernandes accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent.”
This has caused a stir. Because Fernandes’ hand clearly moved towards the ball.
Accidental or not, many feel Everton were harshly denied a spot-kick. And even Nuno Espirito Santo gave a telling response after the match.
When asked about it, he said (via journalist Patrick Boyland): “I didn’t see the image but I was scared. I was worried.”
Who is to blame for this defeat, then? 😡
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Warren Little
In these instances, you usually get managers deflecting.
For even Nuno to admit he was ‘scared’ just underlines that VAR made an error, and Everton could even see an apology.
Not that that will change things or make Moyes, the players and the supporters feel any better.
Nuno heaps praise on Everton
Nuno knows the three points his side got on Saturday were huge, especially with Tottenham Hotspur winning.
And after the game, he was complimentary about Everton, despite such a poor showing from the Toffees on the day.
He said (via whufc.com): “They are very organised, they have composure, they are mature, experienced players.
“We knew it was going to be tight, it was difficult to find gaps, it was difficult to break them, but at the same time we were in a good place.
“We were organised, the pressing was good, the gaps that we tried to close down.
“Of course, there’s a moment that they start putting crosses in our box, and we know how dangerous they are through crosses, second phase, third phase, to keep the ball there. We didn’t allow this to go, but overall I think we defended well.”
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