We’re delighted to welcome former Premier League referee Keith Hackett as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Everton...
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett suggests Anthony Gordon cheated to win a free-kick against Chelsea as Everton drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.
A youthful Everton side quickly recovered from a 70th-minute Mason Mount goal on Thursday night (16 December) to equalise through Jarrad Branthwaite four minutes later.
The 19-year-old centre-back scored a header via a wonderful Anthony Gordon free-kick.
However, Hackett is unhappy with how Gordon, 20, won the free-kick in the first place after Reece James was penalised by referee Michael Oliver.
“No, I don’t think it was a foul,” Hackett told Goodison News.
“I think it was the wrong decision. That’s why he protested his innocence.
“That’s part of the trick that players play to deceive the referee. He succeeded.”
Battling point
A draw means Everton have won just once in their last 11 games, but they will take heart from a positive result against the European champions, particularly considering their lengthy injury list.
Richarlison, Yerry Mina, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Lucas Digne were all missing from last night’s squad while Allan and Seamus Coleman remained on the bench.
Everton’s next match is at Burnley on Boxing Day (26 December), after Sunday’s game against Leicester City was called off due to a Covid-19 outbreak [BBC].
In other Everton news, this European star flew into Liverpool on Friday to sign for the Blues.
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