Sean Dyche’s team went into halftime trailing 1-0 and had a chance to equalize shortly after the break when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was fouled in the penalty area by Lewis Dunk. However, after a VAR review, the penalty decision was overturned, leaving Goodison Park stunned.
The Premier League clarified on X that the VAR review determined Calvert-Lewin’s foot had made contact with Dunk’s foot first, and thus, the penalty was correctly overturned. They stated, “The referee initially awarded a penalty for a foul by Dunk on Calvert-Lewin. However, VAR recommended an on-field review, which concluded there was no foul as Calvert-Lewin’s foot landed on Dunk’s foot. The referee then overturned the decision.”
Everton’s summer recruitment was promising, but their 3-0 loss to Brighton on the opening day highlighted the gap still present before they can compete in the top half of the Premier League. The overturned penalty could have shifted the momentum in Everton’s favor, but instead, Brighton added goals from Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra, while Ashley Young’s second-half red card compounded Everton’s woes.
The Premier League’s return saw a controversial VAR decision right from the start, which will divide opinions among fans. Despite the disappointing start, supporters need to remain patient as the new signings adjust to Premier League life and integrate into Dyche’s system.
In other Everton news, the club is reportedly pursuing Jens Hjerto-Dahl as a potential transfer target.
