Everton played host to Manchester City and they did all they could to frustrate City and snatch a draw but it wasn't meant to be. Everton dominated the first half with better chances compared to City. Everton should have been 3 goals up as they came agonizingly close but they were not clinical enough.
Manchester City played better in the second half and Everton were holding on to their dear lives. Pickford was amazing in goal and he denied Manchester City times and times again. The highlight of his night was the double saves he produced after he first denied Kevin De Bruyne before the rebound fell to Bernardo and still, Pickford got up in time to save that too. He kept Everton in the game but he was let down by his defence, particularly Keane.
It took a late goal from City after an error from Michael Keane gave Foden the chance to pounce on the ball and score. Michael Keane has been having a mixed season as there was a time his head was on a platter with fans showing their disgust with his performances and at other times, he delivered the goods with timely goals to seal the wins but on this day, his best wasn't good enough as he exposed the magnificent Pickford to no clean sheet in the game. Foden got Manchester City off the hook in what would have been another dropped point and you can be sure that Liverpool would want to pounce on that but it wasn't to be.
The shocking moment of the game came after City's goal with Rodri handling the ball inside his box without pressure. In what was a clear cut handball to the lower part of the arm, VAR didn't give the handball. VAR has been a nuisance this season because of the inconsistency with their decisions. I can't remember the game right now but last week, handball was picked for the same offence but now, the rules have changed?
I don't know what their end game is here but that was a valuable point they cost Everton there who are still fighting for their dear lives after being on the other side of the table. I don't understand the main point of VAR if it's making decisions worse. They should allow the referees to make their decisions and their errors as we have been used to before VAR came into existence instead.
They seem to have different rules for different teams and that was the same way they judged the "intention" of Middlesbrough against Manchester United in the Cup but they would judge actions when they are checking for possible red cards. I don't understand what those behind the screen are seeing if it differs from what we are seeing or what they are showing in slow motion. Even former referee, Gallagher said it should have been a penalty and it wasn't given.
If this is the new trend where the Premier League hides under the VAR to help certain teams, I don't think this trend would go away any time soon. We know how many people shouted about Manchester United getting too many penalties during Sir Alex Ferguson's days and now the trend continues in the Premier League in the guise of VAR.
Everton had a decent game and should have taken their chances but they got robbed with the shocking decision not to award a penalty for Rodri's handball. Everton still has some outstanding games to play and would be hopeful of winning them so they can push higher up the table as Newcastle United did.
VAR is the new trend and so many decisions are being ridiculously taken by those in the VAR room. We can expect this trend to continue for a long while as we have seen it play out before under different circumstances. If this trend continues, this is going to take the fun away from the sports we love and that's why it would be a footballing disaster. The hard work and unpredictability of it are what makes us love it, not when it's assisted due to favouritism. That was a daylight robbery.
Cheers.
Gingered Up! ❣️
