Everton have every right to feel aggrieved this season, given the many volatile and questionable decisions that have gone against them.
In the Premier League, every fan thinks their team is the one hard done by. But with the Toffees, there is a very real argument to suggest they are.
After all, their frustrations are not solely attached to refereeing decisions, of which there have been plenty to bemoan in recent months.
No club in the history of the top flight has ever received a points deduction as severe as the one administered in October, justified by a mere £19m overspend from profit and sustainability rules.
With protests an unsurprising outcome after such perceived injustice, it seems that recent annoyances were only further justified this week as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s controversial red card was finally rescinded nearly a week after he was wrongfully dismissed against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup.
This marks a huge boost for Sean Dyche, who will be with his main marksman for this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa. Journalist Alan Myers certainly thinks so, who would take to X to issue a positive four-word response to the matter: ‘Good news on DCL’.
How has Dominic Calvert-Lewin played for Everton this season?
Although it has not been the most proficient of campaigns for Calvert-Lewin, he remains a key cog in Dyche’s system.
After all, the forward is a selfless number nine, willing to relentlessly run channels and press the opposition backline which often moves him into positions away from the goal.
That does not excuse his profligacy though, with the £100k-per-week star having only managed three Premier League goals from an expected goals tally of 6.92.
It is a worrying trend that he will want to quell as soon as possible, but what he does off the ball is likely the reason why the 26-year-old continues to start ahead of Beto.
The 6 foot 2 focal point is tall, fast, strong and unstoppable in the air, with his presence up front offering the foundation with which the bulk of Everton’s attacks are built.
Whilst his Portuguese counterpart would likely have deputised well in his absence, his first touch and game intelligence are nowhere near the level of Calvert-Lewin.
It is for this reason why Dyche will be so thankful that such a smart conclusion was reached, after the maddening initial decision to send him off.
Regardless of this successful appeal, it cannot be forgotten just how poor the officiating in this country continues to be.
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