Dermot Gallagher shares verdict on contentious decision in Ipswich Town v Everton

Dermot Gallagher shares verdict on contentious decision in Ipswich Town v Everton

Dermot Gallagher believes referee Michael Oliver was wrong to initially award a penalty against Everton in the 2-0 win against Ipswich Town on Saturday (19 October).

Dwight McNeil caught Jack Clarke in the penalty area with the score at 1-0 at Portman Road. Oliver awarded a spot-kick for the hosts until overturning the on-field decision due to a VAR review

Gallagher thought Oliver made the right call changing the decision live on Sky Sports Ref Watch [21 October, 11:41am], and believed it was similar to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty shout in the recent 0-0 draw against Newcastle United.

The former Premier League referee said: “This is a carbon-copy of Calvert-Lewin and Dan Burn from the other week.

“I explained then that the attacker has caught the defender – the same has happened here. I understand the referee’s decision to award it, but when you see it again the attacker catches the defender.”

Everton are back on track in the Premier League

The win against Ipswich Town feels like a monumental result for Everton, who have now stretched their unbeaten run in the Premier League to four matches.

While the Blues seemingly enjoyed a slice of luck with the Clarke penalty decision, the hosts never looked like troubling Sean Dyche’s side who are finally starting to click.

Dwight McNeil has been in phenomenal form in his new role operating behind the striker – he may not have added to his impressive six-goal contributions in eight starts at Portman Road, but his efforts certainly did not go unnoticed by the boss.

Michael Keane silenced the doubters with his sensational strike to double the lead after Iliman Ndiaye’s opener, and it appears the players are getting behind the manager with so much uncertainty surrounding his future.

Now the consecutive 3-2 losses to Bournemouth and Aston Villa, in which the Blues held a two-goal lead in both, feel like a distant memory at Goodison Park.

With a five-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone, it is only up from here on out for Everton.