Even though it has been three days since the match, it seems Everton are far from finished airing their grievances after being forced to accept a draw on Saturday.
Despite having seen little of the ball, it seemed like their game plan was destined to work to perfection, given how little Brighton and Hove Albion had created. The visitors were limited to just two shots on target from their 80% possession, with only a wicked deflection proving enough to undo the Toffees.
Although the result was somewhat disappointing given the manner of the draw, having led for so long, it marks massive progress given in that fixture last season they were torn apart, brutally beaten 4-1 in one of the worst performances of their relegation-threatened campaign.
The widespread frustration now is indicative of altering expectations, which is certainly a positive thing for Sean Dyche.
And yet, Abdoulaye Doucoure is far from willing to just let the result lie, having since spoken out about the standard of officiating, and exactly what referee Tim Robinson had to say for himself after missing a few penalty shouts for the hosts.
The Mali international noted: ‘I think the first one in the first-half, when Dominic went down, I was alone, to be honest, and the referee just blows the whistle.
‘I don’t know why, because I was alone, and it was a very big chance, to be honest. Some day some awful decision (sic), I think.’
Then, when asked if Robinson had anything to say for himself, the 30-year-old revealed: ‘He apologised after it. He said I blew the whistle too early, but this afternoon we fight; we have some good chances to win the game, but we conceded that goal that killed us at the end.’
How did Abdoulaye Doucoure play vs Brighton?
Whilst Everton’s £20m signing might have a point, he did little towards cementing their slender one-goal lead, earned by Vitaliy Mykolenko’s persistence and slice of fortune.
After all, whilst he played for the full 90 minutes, he would manage just 28 touches of the ball, completing 15 passes.
The midfielder was chasing shadows all afternoon, and as such failed to make a single defensive interaction (tackle, interception, clearance, block). Then, when did did compete in duels, he lost seven of the nine he engaged in, via Sofascore.
Whilst those figures do belie his importance, with his work rate as unwavering as ever, it is perhaps worth wondering what Everton might have done to ensure that the referee became a non-factor, rather than complaining days after about what might have been.
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