Dermot Gallagher shares VAR sympathy after 'damning' Everton controversy vs Chelsea
Dermot Gallagher believes Morgan Rogers was lucky to stay on the pitch as Everton lost to Chelsea on Saturday.
The London club's record signing was involved in a dangerous challenge against James Garner at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
During the Toffees' 2-0 defeat, the England international was initially shown a yellow card after a tussle with James Tarkowski.
In the 42nd minute, Rogers then went in strongly to win a loose ball, but in the attempt, caught Garner right below his knee with his studs.
Paul Tierney didn't think the attacker's action warranted a foul as both players seemed to go into the 50-50 challenge.
On closer inspection, it's clear that while the Chelsea star made contact with the ball, his leg was high during the challenge.
What Dermot Gallagher has said about Morgan Rogers controversy
Tierney should've shown Rogers a second yellow at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The on-field referee didn't even think it was a foul to begin with, which may have put Nick Hopton in a dilemma at Stockley Park.
Gallagher analysed the footage and pointed out one angle that doesn't paint Rogers in the best light.
The former Premier League referee thinks Rogers' actions could've warranted a sending-off, but Tierney's decision complicated matters.
Speaking live on Sky Sports on 19 October, Gallagher said, "I think he's lucky the referee didn't give a free-kick. If you look at the outcome, the referee plays on. He has launched himself into the tackle.
"Because the referee plays on, the dilemma then for the VAR is - is it enough for a red card? With the referee not giving a foul, it took VAR out of the equation.
"I think it's on the threshold. There is one quite damning angle - you see him leap; he actually leaps into him. That alone would send warning bells to the referee, but he chose to play on."
David Moyes faces familiar problems at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton finished 14th last season, with a goal difference of minus three in the Premier League.
In the current campaign, the Toffees boast one of the best defences after seven games but lack firepower up front.
David Moyes has been crying out for a reliable goalscorer since returning to the club, but certainly hasn't been backed by The Friedkin Group.
It will be interesting to see how long the Scottish manager can keep this up with only Thierno Barry, who missed one big chance against Chelsea.
The Merseyside outfit created two big chances compared to the London club's three, and the simple difference on the day was that Xabi Alonso's team were clinical.