What Everton ace Andre Gomes did in the 51st minute proves why the game has gone

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Of all the storylines expected from Everton’s clash yesterday, few could have predicted an Andre Gomes redemption arc among them.

The Portuguese midfielder had not played for the club in over a year and a half, but had slowly been nearing a first-team return after making a few appearances for the U21s.

However, myself included, felt like the silky maestro might not have what it takes to thrive under Sean Dyche’s stern leadership.

After all, questions had arisen over his work rate in previous regimes, and his ability to thrive for a side often starved of possession.

Well, yesterday he would assuage those fears, coming from the bench to not just score, but dominate the game. 

However, he was involved in one contentious moment in the 51st minute, in which he rushed to press Emerson Royal. The Brazilian crumpled to the floor, but the referee waved play on, allowing him to slot in Dominic Calvert-Lewin who rifled home their opening goal.

Or so he thought, with VAR swiftly cancelling it out under dubious circumstances.

Should Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal have stood for Everton vs Spurs?

Given the referee and the linesman both saw fit to wave play on following the alleged offence, that alone should mark a rather cut-and-dry trial.

After all, it was a soft call, with Gomes merely applying some pressure to the defender as his foot brushed the back of the full-back.

Whilst most players go down at any and every opportunity nowadays, it was refreshing to see the official ignore such a blatant attempt to buy a free-kick when afforded a moment of discomfort.

It is a contact sport after all, and a little bit of physicality is good to keep the game entertaining for the English crowd who have been largely brought up on blood-curdling 50/50 challenges.

However, as has been the way in recent years, football is moving towards a slower, softer game in which the players seemingly dictate the outcome.

Therefore, referees are turning into cowards, willing to accept the protests of those surrounding him by calling for innocuous decisions in the midfield.

Yesterday, that proved vital though.

VAR has taken all the power out of the referee’s hands, and provided a huge step towards the clinical, unimaginative game that football is turning into.

Gomes’ “foul” only serves to offer a poignant example of this frustration, which has left thousands of travelling Toffees, and the many more watching from home, furious at the nature of their disallowed goal.