Alan Shearer sends message after Everton v Manchester United controversy
Everton were denied a penalty in the most dramatic of circumstances in an incident-packed 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday.
The Toffees were coasting thanks to first-half goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure at Goodison Park with the Red Devils completely overrun.
However, two goals in the space of eight second-half minutes from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte brought Manchester United undeservedly back into a game Everton had dominated.
There was late drama, though, when Ashley Young went to ground after his shirt appeared to be tugged by Harry Maguire as he rushed to get to a shot Andre Onana saved from Idrissa Gueye.
Having initially pointed to the spot, referee Andy Madley opted to change his mind after being advised to go to the screen by VAR.
Alan Shearer bemused by what VAR did amid Everton controversy
There was plenty of reaction to the controversy in the immediate aftermath of the decision, with social-media ablaze at what they had just witnessed.
Golf star Lee Westwood reacted to the incident immediately on his official X account, as he posted: “Why would VAR not show the ref the best angle of the shirt pull pen at decision???”
Seemingly, Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, the former Newcastle United and England striker, was in full agreement with his fellow Englishman.
Re-posting Westwood’s message with his own post, Shearer sent a one-word message that merely read: “Agreed”, making his feelings on the matter pretty clear as Everton had to settle for a point against Manchester United.
Progress but frustration for David Moyes and Everton
It is hard to convey just how in control of proceedings Everton were, particularly in the first half, and they were more than good value for their 2-0 scoreline.
David Moyes will have loved the fight, heart, endeavour, and clinical nature of his side in that opening period, and for much of the second half that trend continued from Everton at Goodison Park.
However, goals change games and that is exactly what happened as United hit back despite spending so much of the game on the backfoot.
The late controversy went against Everton, when perhaps it should not have, and that will be a huge frustration, as will the fact they let a commanding performance slip through their fingers.
Ultimately, though, that is now four wins and two draws for Everton in their past six Premier League games and the progress under Moyes is there for all to see.