Warnock reacts to controversial moment as Everton draw 1-1 at Chelsea
Stephen Warnock agreed with Michael Oliver’s decision to award Everton a free-kick ahead of their equaliser at Chelsea on Thursday night.
Jarrad Branthwaite grabbed his first Everton goal in the 74th minute to cancel out Mason Mount’s opener and earn the Toffees a 1-1 draw away at Stamford Bridge.
Anthony Gordon was fouled by Reece James before the cross was whipped in for Branthwaite’s goal.
According to Warnock, there was some controversy surrounding the foul but he feels referee Oliver was spot on.
“I mean, there was talk about the free-kick against Anthony Gordon,” said Warnock on Match of the Day on Thursday night.
“Reece James was adamant it’s not a foul. It is, he clips his ankles. And then it’s just the quality of ball in from Anthony Gordon.
“You have to keep your eyes on Saul, who’s come onto the pitch, he’s the deepest Chelsea player, he plays everyone onside. And it’s a brilliant ball and an even better finish.”
Quality
We really deserved that point away at Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel’s side did seem to have the better of us in spells but overall, Rafa Benitez’s men defended well and really nullified the threat that the home side had.
And what a goal it was by Branthwaite.
Gordon did well to win the foul (it definitely was a foul by James) and then his ball into the box was absolutely tremendous.
Michael Keane missed the header but the ball then dropped down to Branthwaite as he changed into the area.
He then managed to fling his foot forward to stick the ball in the back of the Chelsea net and secure a much-needed point.
Drawing at Stamford Bridge is going to alleviate some of the pressure on Benitez, who’s facing increasing calls to be sacked by fans.
We don’t see him going any time soon if the Toffees keep playing how they did at Chelsea.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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