Joe Hart shares what PGMOL said about contentious Calvert-Lewin call in Everton v Brighton

Joe Hart said the PGMOL had clarified the process and decision-making involving the contentious penalty incident involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Everton versus Brighton.

The Toffees forward was originally awarded a spot-kick amid a challenge in the area with Lewis Dunk before referee Simon Hooper reversed his decision following a VAR intervention.

There was a bit of confusion as it appeared the pitch-side screen wasn’t showing a replay to the official but former Manchester City goalkeeper Hart – speaking as a pundit on Match of the Day (17 August) – explained that he was using a back-up screen.

“I think we all agreed at the time that a penalty was a fair decision if you see how it is (in real time),” Hart said.

“We’ve spoken to the PGMOL because we saw that the VAR was being used a little bit different, here we see that Calvert-Lewin stands on Dunk’s foot, it’s not Calvert-Lewin coming towards him, he stands on Dunk’s foot which therefore means he falls over.

“Little bit of confusion here as we see the VAR screen wasn’t playing, we’re assured there was a back-up screen there for him to see, make the decision, overturn, I think it’s a good decision.”

Everton have a day to forget

There was a horrendous feeling of deja vu about the clash with Brighton as Everton ultimately fell to a demoralising 3-0 defeat to start their Premier League campaign.

But the truth of it is that, on a different day, they could easily have been celebrating all three points had they been a little more clinical in the final third.

Alas, some familiar failings in front of goal meant they could not inch ahead and ultimately Brighton were able to steal a march and then pull clear leaving Everton to lick their wounds in the first game played in the final season at Goodison Park.

The penalty incident, if we are being honest, was probably the right call and really you do not want to relying on contentious penalty incidents to turn the game in your favour, you want to be taking the chances you create.

It’s only one game so there is no need to hit the panic button but it is disappointing to already see some familiar failings.

Sean Dyche reveals why Michael Keane started ahead of Jake O’Brien after Everton defeat against Brighton

Sean Dyche has explained his decision to start Michael Keane ahead of Jake O’Brien as Everton suffered an opening-day loss to Brighton.

The Toffees’ 2024-25 campaign started with a 3-0 defeat against the Seagulls at Goodison Park. Everton did begin the encounter on the front foot and had a penalty overturned by a VAR review – but ultimately they were second-best during the contest. Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra were on target for the away side, while Dyche’s men had Ashley Young given a red card.

Everton were without key defender Jarrad Branthwaite for the encounter because of injury. The 22-year-old helped Everton keep the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League last season and has been targeted by Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

The Blues signed Jake O’Brien from Lyon for £17 million earlier this month but Dyche instead opted to hand a start to Michael Keane – returning from a minor knee issue – alongside James Tarkowski in the rearguard.

On the selection call, Goodison boss Dyche said: “The reason why he [O’Brien] didn’t start is because Michael Keane has had a very strong pre-season. He was very unfortunate to get injured at Preston and is a very experienced Premier League player.

“Jake hasn’t got that experience but we think he’s a very good player and will learn very quickly. He’s been very open-minded about the nuts and bolts, if you like, how quick the game is – he found that in previous performances. He’s a very good player and will develop.”