Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer stunned by Arsenal controversy v Everton on Match of the Day
Everton conceded a controversial goal against Arsenal in their 2-1 defeat on 19 May, with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer admitting that the current handball rule is “a mess”.
Gabriel Jesus’ borderline handball set in motion the move for Kai Havertz’s 89th-minute winner, but after seeing replays of the incident, Shearer praised referee Michael Oliver for not overturning his original call and allowing the goal to stand.
Everton ended their Premier League season with defeat following Havertz’s late strike, but Jesus tucking his arm to try and avoid the ball was given the benefit of the doubt.
Lineker said on Match of the Day: “Imagine if that had of been the goal that won (Arsenal) the Premier League, there would’ve been a few complaints I think.”
Shearer assessed the footage: “You can see there, it does hit (Jesus’) arm. But he’s not the goalscorer, it’s not deliberate, his arm’s tucked right down, so I think it was correct from Michael Oliver to stick with his decision.”
Lineker concluded with a question: “How can you have handball for one thing and not the other? The law’s a mess.”
Everton end turbulent season with controversial defeat
Everton headed to the Emirates on the final day knowing that their Premier League safety was secured, and unlike hosts Arsenal, had very little to play for.
The Toffees were unable to finish higher than 15th in the table, but that didn’t stop them from taking the game to title-chasing Arsenal and scoring first through Idrissa Gueye five minutes before half-time.
Arsenal may have equalised three minutes later and gone on to win it through Havertz at the death, but the performance from the Blues showcased the fighting spirit which has embodied their successful fight against relegation this season.
Gueye is one of the players who has stood tallest for the Toffees in their late-season surge away from the trapdoor and added to his game-sealing goals against both Nottingham Forest and Brentford at Goodison Park.
Having been offered a new contract by the club with his current deal set to expire, the Everton faithful and manager Dyche will have all of their digits crossed that the Senegalese international stays put on the blue half of Merseyside.
In other Everton news, Richard Keys has shared his immediate reaction following the final game of the Premier League season
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