Mike Dean immediately reacts to Manchester City controversy v Everton
Everton are drawing at half-time against Manchester City at Goodison Park, with the deadlock yet to be broken.
David Moyes’ men are in excellent form of late and look unstoppable at the back, as they aim to say goodbye to Goodison Park on a high in the final weeks of the season.
However, this is a big game for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who are looking to secure a place in the top five and secure a spot in the Champions League.
Tim Sherwood and Mike Dean react to controversy
Since Moyes’ arrival at Goodison Park in the New Year, plenty of players have stepped up their standards on the pitch and delivered much better performances than they’d shown throughout the season so far.
Jack Harrison is one man who is still struggling to show just what he’s about, though with the pressure building ahead of an uncertain summer.
The winger has expressed his desire to stay put with Moyes in Merseyside and be part of a new era with the Toffees, but whether he is doing enough to secure a permanent move is still being judged.
| Apperances | Goals | Assists |
| 29 | 1 | 0 |
In the first half against Manchester City, Harrison was involved in a controversy when Savinho was claiming for a penalty at the back post, suggesting he had been brought down by the Evertonian.
The referee was not convinced by the appeals, and VAR confirmed this was the right decision too.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (19 April, 15:14), Tim Sherwood admitted he thought the correct call was made, as he said: “Savinho comes on at the back post, he’s almost it feels like he’s being pulled at the back post, he’s coming onto a cross from Kevin De Bruyne, nothing in it for me.
“I’ve watched the replay as well, it looks like he’s thrown himself to the floor. He’s appealing to the referee, and I think he’s made the correct decision, no penalty.”
Mike Dean was quick to agree with Sherwood and defend Harrison’s actions on the field as he replied: “Yeah, there’s a slight contact, he’s made too much of it. But then, it’s been clear pretty quickly, so it’s very, very minimal.
“Right decision on field by Simon Hooper and confirmed by Darren England, the VAR.”
Harrison still fighting for Everton future
As Sherwood and Dean say, there was minimal contact in the clash with Savinho, and a penalty decision against Everton certainly would have felt like a harsh call.
Harrison was involved in another penalty shout at the other end, after claims of a handball, although this was also waved away.
Moyes’ men know Guardiola’s side are never easy to face, but given the Toffees’ impressive form and City’s disappointing campaign, this is a game where there won’t be the same nerves as times gone by coming into it.
Harrison received the call-up from the Scotsman again to feature in the side, but in the final weeks of the season, he has to showcase to his boss why he is worthy of a long-term contract at Goodison.
With parent club Leeds United on the cusp of a return to the Premier League, this could change everything ahead of the new season, and a big summer is surely ahead.
For now, though, Harrison has to keep his head focused on Everton and make sure he shows what he can do without putting his side in jeopardy.