Aaron Cresswell deserved to be sent off v Everton – Don Hutchison
Former Everton and West Ham midfielder Don Hutchison believes Aaron Cresswell should have been sent off in Sunday’s (3 April) clash between the two.
The Hammers full-back scored a free kick in the 2-1 victory over Frank Lampard’s side at the London Stadium, but also appeared to kick Richarlison while he was on the ground in injury time.
The only player that did see a red card during the game was Toffees defender Michael Keane, to make it three consecutive Premier League games where they have had a man sent off.
Going into the 94th minute the Brazilian went to ground under light contact from Pablo Fornals and reached out for the ball with his hand, before Irons defender Cresswell swung his left leg at him and appeared to make contact.
ESPN pundit Hutchison wrote on Twitter last night (11.30pm): “Cresswell red card no”, with a shrugging emoji.
Luck is out
Due to the timing of the incident it is unlikely that it would have a difference to the result.
But it is the latest event that will have those connected with the club wondering when luck, and referees, are going to be on their side.
Keane’s red card was not in dispute like Allan’s was against Newcastle, but many will feel that had the Cresswell incident been the other way round, a red would have been produced.
For the players there is no time to dwell on a decision going against them again.
Another loss got them nowhere in the relegation battle, despite a tighter result in an away fixture than has become customary.
There is a massive meeting with fellow strugglers Burnley coming on Wednesday (6 April), which represents the side’s best chance at three points for some time.
Manager Lampard felt that the performance in the capital showed enough to suggest a repeat in future games would pick up points, so a good place to start would be Turf Moor.
In other Everton news, one football finance expert believes it is “far too late” for a points deduction to arrive this season, but hasn’t ruled it out entirely.
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