Match Coverage

David Moyes thinks VAR made a mistake during Everton 1-2 Liverpool

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Chris Kavanagh was in the spotlight on several occasions as Everton lost the Merseyside derby.

The 40-year-old bizarrely allowed Ryan Gravenberch and Virgil van Dijk to escape without yellow cards despite both committing poor challenges on Idrissa Gueye. To make matters worse, Jordan Pickford was booked for complaining about Van Dijk’s reckless foul on the Senegal international.

Were Everton robbed of a penalty on Dewsbury-Hall? 😫

Another Chris Kavanagh decision going against the Blues… 😡

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Everton is challenged by Curtis Jones of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool
Credit: Getty Images/Gareth Copley

There was also a penalty shout for the Toffees, as Curtis Jones shoved Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall while the Everton No.22 raced through on goal. It was barely checked, but David Moyes believes VAR ought to have pulled Kavanagh up on the incident.

David Moyes feels Curtis Jones should have been punished for push on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

When asked if he felt his side deserved a penalty after the 27-year-old was knocked off balance, the Glaswegian told Sky Sports: “I do. Why would he go down if there was no contact? He is in to shoot and finish. Why would he not do that?”

Dewsbury-Hall, our Man of the Match, is not one to go down easily.

In fact, the former Leicester star often takes advantage of being in these positions, having already scored seven goals and assisted another six in 26 Premier League appearances this season.

Dewsbury-Hall himself immediately put his arms up to appeal to Kavanagh after the shove from Jones, and it feels unjust that those in the VAR booth over at Stockley Park did not stop the game to have a proper look at the incident.

What could Moyes have done differently to avoid that late goal? 🫣

David Moyes, Manager of Everton, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC

Nevertheless, the Englishman did well to bounce back and remain a threat throughout – setting up Beto for the equaliser after a smart run and cross.

Dewsbury-Hall, who was furious at Tyrique George in the 95th minute, is averaging a goal involvement every two games from midfield in the Premier League for Everton.

There is no doubt the Everton maestro is in the running for the signing of the season award, with that £28m move from Chelsea now looking a bargain for The Friedkin Group.