Mike Dean reacts instantly to Everton vs Fulham controversy that left Sky pundit baffled
Mike Dean has explained why James Tarkowski’s goal was ruled out in Everton’s clash with Fulham on Saturday.
Tarkowski thought he had opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, but it was ruled out for the defender being offside, which left the Blues frustrated as they pushed for an opener.
Michael Keane’s initial header was saved, and his centre-back partner was first to the ball to put it in the net at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the flag was up straight away.
The controversy caused confusion in the Sky Sports studio.
What did Mike Dean say about Tarkowski incident in Everton vs Fulham?
Former top-flight referee Dean is a regular on Sky Sports and gives his opinions on decisions in real time.
Sue Smith, who was covering the contest, was baffled by the incident, but the 57-year-old provided clarification on the matter.
Speaking on 8 November, he said: “Keane’s not offside. When the ball comes in from Grealish, it’s flicked on by Tarkowski to Ndiaye at the back post. He’s just offside.”
David Moyes will rue Everton’s luck if they do not beat Fulham
The hosts eventually found an opener, as Idrissa Gueye smashed home on the stroke on half-time after a scramble in the area.
Everton boss Moyes can become the third manager to win 20 times against a particular opponent, but he needs his side to keep their lead, and end a dismal run of just one win in their last eight matches in all competitions, and they look like they should be able to do that
- Everton have had 56 per cent of the possession, compared to 44 for Fulham
- The Blues had eight shots, Fulham had just five
- Everton created 1.02 expected goals, compared to just 0.34 for their visitors
The Toffees had already had a strike ruled out, which denied Thierno Barry his first goal for the club, and the Scotsman will rue their bad luck, if they do not go on to secure the victory.
The rub of the green just never seems to fall on the Toffees’ side recently, and they need that to change going forward.
Moyes has had plenty of decisions go against his team, but this one was justified, even if it could still sting if they do not win.
They need to keep their composure and not allow the visitors to come back into the contest.
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