Dermot Gallagher reacts to Abdoulaye Doucoure footage in Everton win v Nottingham Forest
Abdoulaye Doucoure was fortunate not to concede a penalty as Everton defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Saturday (2 December), according to Dermot Gallagher.
The Toffees earned a crucial three points at the City Ground thanks to Dwight McNeil’s second-half winner.
But Doucoure escaped punishment for a clumsy pull and trip on Ryan Yates in the penalty area, something former Premier League referee Gallagher felt should have resulted in a spot kick.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ ‘Refwatch’ segment (4 December, 11:49am), Gallagher said: “VAR did check it and felt there wasn’t enough reason to give a penalty.
“I think it’s a penalty and I think it’s a penalty for three reasons. Firstly, he never once looks at the ball he’s not interested in the ball. Secondly, I think he’s got his shirt for far too long he doesn’t just feel for him then let him go. And thirdly he trips him as well, so I think it’s a penalty.”
Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith, an Everton fan, both agreed with Gallagher’s verdict in the studio.
Finally a bit of luck
If we are being completely honest, even the most diehard Everton supporter will probably agree that Doucoure was pretty fortunate not to give away a spot kick, it was clumsy and a little unnecessary and on another day could have cost the Toffees.
Do any of us really care, though? No, of course not. The truth is that sometimes the decisions go for you and sometimes they go against you. On this occasion Sean Dyche’s men certainly had a little bit of luck but frankly it is about time Everton had some luck!
Having been deducted 10 points for a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, Everton are in the relegation zone but are now just two points from safety after battling for another win at Forest.
There is plenty of work left to do and they are going to need a lot more results moving forward, while some more of the sort of luck Doucoure had against Forest certainly would not go amiss.
In other Everton news, Newcastle have been dealt a blow ahead of their trip to the Toffees on Thursday.