Dermot Gallagher reacts to controversy in Everton win v Crystal Palace
Dermot Gallagher has given his verdict on a controversy that went against Crystal Palace as Everton battled to another win at Selhurst Park.
The Toffees travelled to South London on Saturday (15 February) and won 2-1, with goals from Beto and Carlos Alcaraz.
David Moyes got another victory at Selhurst Park, as Jean-Philippe Mateta’s strike wasn’t enough for Oliver Glasner’s team.
Jefferson Lerma thought he had broken the deadlock with the score at 0-0, but assistant referee Adam Nunn deemed the ball had gone out of play beforehand, with VAR finding no other evidence.
Dermot Gallagher speaks out on Everton controversy
Gallagher has backed Nunn for his decision to rule out Palace’s opening goal.
The assistant referee adjudged the ball to have gone out of play when the corner was played before Lerma’s header, with no definitive answer given to please everyone, it seems.
Gallagher finds it interesting that Nunn waited until the ball was in the back of the net to raise his flag.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch (17 February), the ex-Premier League referee said: “I think the assistant is in the perfect position. Does it go out? We don’t know because we can’t tell. But Nunn is right behind the corner flag, looking across the line. He has a perfect view.
“It’s very interesting. The assistant moves back. He doesn’t flag. He flags when Lerma heads the ball into the net. So I wonder whether he has taken the same notion as they do for offside. By delaying, he has allowed it to run through, and then the VAR can look.
“As it is, they can’t find any evidence. So his decision stands.”
Goodison faithful enjoy unbeaten run after Crystal Palace win
Everton will be confident of avoiding Premier League relegation after their recent run of form.
While the Toffees lost to Bournemouth in the FA Cup at Goodison Park, their form in the Premier League has been impressive.
The Blues have won four of their last five matches in the league, with the only draw coming against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on 12 February.
Palace had only lost once in seven fixtures before facing the Merseyside outfit, with Glasner’s team now level on points with them.
What can’t be argued is the fact Moyes has managed to bring the best out of the players at his disposal, something Sean Dyche was incapable of doing.
The Toffees had struggled to get a winning run under the former Burnley manager, and the Scottish manager’s success highlights his predecessor’s ineptitude.
While the Goodison faithful didn’t have high hopes under Dyche, the tide has turned under Moyes, and the fans are already looking forward to next season.
Manchester United are up next for the Blues, and they have the opportunity to continue their winning run at home as Ruben Amorim continues to struggle in the Premier League.