Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario said he needs to be stronger after Saturday’s controversial draw against Everton.
Ange Postecoglou’s charges had the advantage at Goodison Park when Richarlison’s shot flew past Jordan Pickford. However, they came back after half an hour when chaos ensued in midfield after a corner and Jack Harrison headed the ball forward after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s shot was deflected over the bar.
Vicario appealed to referee Michael Oliver after the goal because he thought Harrison had pushed him to the ground when the ball was played in. VAR reviewed the incident but, after a short wait, allowed the on-field decision to stand.
After the final whistle, Postecgolou expressed his disappointment with Oliver’s decisions regarding contact in the penalty area. He explained: “In this case, a foul penalty was given: ‘Referees now seem to be generally reluctant to make refereeing decisions and leave them to VAR.
“At the moment, referees seem reluctant to overturn any contact in the box. It is disappointing to concede every goal. There were about 30 set-ups. These are things you have to deal with.”
However, on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher had little sympathy for Spurs’ argument. He said: “I didn’t think it was a foul.
“It was the third corner they’ve had and they’ve put it all that way. I don’t think it was a foul – and it wasn’t offside as a lot of people have claimed because the goalkeeper and Richarlison are on the line.”
Richarlison added a second goal for Tottenham just before half-time, but the points were shared when young central defender Jarrad Branthwaite equalised deep into stoppage time of the second half.