Liverpool Echo

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has shared his view on two non-penalty decisions in the clash between Everton and Tottenham

Everton and Tottenham Hotspur both saw claims for penalties waved away in the 3-2 win for the Blues at Goodison Park on Sunday. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has shared his view on the controversial moments.

A first-half onslaught from the Toffees was enough for the home side to take three points. Goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye and an own goal from Archie Gray gave Everton a 3-0 lead at the half-time break, before Spurs responded with two strikes late on.

The match was packed with talking points, including a couple of big penalty shouts in the first half.

Son Heung-min and Jarrad Branthwaite tangled in the box for one of those moments, with the Spurs forward adamant he should've been awarded a penalty. However, the decision was waved away.

Speaking on Ref Watch on Sky Sports, Gallagher suggested that Son had been unfortunate.

"It's clumsy and he doesn't get the ball," he said. "The interesting thing is the referee immediately signals 'no' and the reason VAR doesn't get involved is because Son comes across him.

"If he doesn't do that, they may recommend a review. We saw it earlier in the season with Calvert-Lewin and Dan Burn."

Another moment sparked anger from James Tarkowski in the first half, as he was seemingly dragged to the ground by Spurs defender Radu Dragusin.

Gallagher was less convinced by this appeal though. "I think the referee sees them both at it and waves it away immediately," he said. "If you see there, they are locked. He thinks 'I'm not going to take sides' and in the end [Dragusin] drags him down."

Gallagher's co-hosts on the programme former England international Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith disagreed with the assessment though.

"You are going to be locked at some point," said Warnock. "But it's then where it leads to. Tarkowski knows he's lost his man and Dragusin also knows he's lost him. He's got to drag him down - I thought that was a penalty."

"We get caught up in it being both players because they are jostling for position. But then if you lose your man you cannot just go 'get to the floor' and say 'it's both of us'."

Smith continued: "I agree, I think initially you have the contact between the two players and then it's sustained. That was a long period of time for him to have hold of Tarkowski."

An overview of the wider coverage of Everton's much-needed win over Tottenham Hotspur, the first victory of David Moyes' second spell at the Blues

The national media’s coverage of Everton’s win over Tottenham Hotspur centred on Spurs’ collapse but still found room to give praise to the Blues.

The criticism of the visitor’s display, and the pressure it piled onto boss Ange Postecoglou, was a major talking point but one that held positive implications for Everton.

That was because the 3-2 victory released the anxiety around Goodison Park, pushing the team away from the bottom three and ensuring attention is focused elsewhere as crises lurk at Spurs, Manchester United and Leicester City.

For Andy Hunter, writing in The Guardian, “Spurs were the gift that ­Everton and David Moyes needed”.

Teetering above the relegation zone and in need of a spark. Moyes watched in delight as his “second coming” got up and running on Sunday. Hunter continued: “The Scot had two days to work with players before the home defeat by Aston Villa on ­Wednesday, when the shape, personnel and lack of ­quality in attack were all too familiar to the Goodison Park regulars.

“What a difference the rest of the week made… they were ­unrecognisable in the first half. They were careless in the second, but superior nevertheless.”

In The Times, Paul Joyce also honed in on the changes made by Moyes and their impact - on the pitch and in the stands.

He wrote: “Moyes’s tweaks, which included a first league start for Jake O’Brien at right back, were far more effective and the sound of his own name echoing around this arena for the first time since his initial reign ended in May 2013 would have been sweet music to his ears. Especially as the words still referred to him having “red hair but we don’t care” when the tint is more silver these days.

”There was no hard luck story for Tottenham. Rather a damning indictment of where they are.”

This was Everton’s first home league win over Spurs since Moyes was last at the club and rarely appeared in jeopardy until Richarlison’s late strike pulled the visitors within just one goal of the home side.

Despite those late nerves, most reporters agreed Everton deserved to win and that the scoreline flattered Spurs. Richard Tanner, in The Telegraph, wrote: “Those goals prompted more than a little anxiety around Goodison, considering Everton had twice thrown away 2-0 leads to lose 3-2 to Bournemouth and Aston Villa earlier this season.

“But they held out for a deserved victory that eased their relegation worries and their high-tempo, energetic display pointed to a brighter second half of the season under Moyes.”

On a similar theme, Matt Barlow wrote in the Daily Mail: “Nerves jangled around the stadium, but Everton had done enough and Moyes basked in the grand old Goodison roar once again.

“Tottenham returned to the capital fortunate not to be nursing a more embarrassing result, and nobody in the away end was fooled. They were rolling through the protest songs about chairman Daniel Levy, who looked on impassively from the VIP seats.”

Meanwhile, the ECHO drew attention to the change that Moyes has fuelled on and off the pitch, attempting to capture the feel-good atmosphere inspired by a performance of intent and adventure: “The sound started in the Gwladys Street and quickly spread around the ground. What began as a rumble was soon a roar. Fifteen minutes into what had been hailed as Goodison Park’s ‘retro’ day, it was only fitting that ‘If you know your history’ was being belted from every corner of the Grand Old Lady.

Everton half-time player ratings

Jordan Pickford 8

On top form in crucial moments to twice deny Son Heung-Min with big saves, firstly when the Spurs captain was on the edge of the area and then from close range.

Jake O’Brien 7

Making his first Premier League start on the right-hand side of a centre-back trio, the Republic of Ireland international is making the most of his huge 6ft 6in frame while also looking polished in possession.

James Tarkowski 8

Everton’s captain made a monster tackle on Son just when the South Korea international looked set to pull the trigger with a shot, only to be devoured by an inch-perfect firm but fair challenge and has been a tower of strength leading the hosts’ new-look defence while also being denied a headed goal in first half stoppage time by Kinsky’s smart save and then nodding down in the move that brought the third.

Jarrad Branthwaite 7

Playing on the left of Everton’s defensive trio, the Carlisle Kaiser is looking assured at the back while also seemingly with the instructions to step forwards out from the back when he gets the chance, finding the pass to Ndiaye before the exchange with Gueye that ended in the second goal.

Jesper Lindstrom 7

Is nominally operating as a right wing-back but this has been an attack-minded display and his most-promising in a royal blue jersey to date, setting the tone early on when he cut inside and brought an acrobatic save out of Antonin Kinsky.

Idrissa Gueye 8

Played an intelligent, measured ball into Calvert-Lewin’s feet to create the goal, showing there is silk as well as steel to his game, also playing the pass that sent Ndiaye on his way for the second.

Orel Mangala 7

Almost put Everton two up but was denied by the post, along with his team-mates, he is producing a more energetic display than of late.

Abdoulaye Doucoure 7

Showing the right spirit by being one of the Blues’ main pressers, his energy levels have been of significant assistance while others have been left to show more finesse.

Vitalii Mykolenko 7

Getting forwards when he can without neglecting his defensive duties, this has been a more disciplined display from the Ukraine international so far.

Iliman Ndiaye 9

Sent Radu Dragusin for a copy of the ECHO as he set off from Gueye’s pass and although he had Calvert-Lewin as an option inside, didn’t need his striker as he smashed a glorious left foot shot into the roof of the net to double Everton’s advantage.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin 8

Superb footwork to shuffle one way, then the other around Archie Gray and then despatch a confident finish to beat Antonin Kinsky and end his scoring drought, he is leading the line with great purpose but was denied a second with possibly his worst touch of the half before his header from Tarkowski’s nod down in stoppage produced a third when Gray put the ball into his own net.

GOAL 3-0 to Everton (Own goal)

Spurs try to find a way back into the game before the break and look dangerous as Spence rides a challenge from Lindstrom and cuts inside. He is halted by Tarkowski though and Calvert-Lewin and Doucoure interchange passes to help the hosts spring forward.

Lindstrom is felled 10 yards inside the Spurs half and swings in a delightful cross that Tarkowski meets and that is an important block from Kinsky. Tarkowski could have made it three there.

Everton sense blood and keep pushing forward, winning a corner on the right. This time Lindstrom’s cross is not as good and Porro heads clear at the near post.

Everton keep the pressure on though and… it’s 3-0!

The ball is pumped towards the back post and Tarkowski heads it across goal. Calvert-Lewin glances it on and Archie Gray thumps it into his own net!

Another stoppage in play

Everton win a free kick out on the left touchline but Mykolenko’s cross is cleared by Porro. Everton come again, this time down the right, and it is interesting to see O’Brien deep in opposition territory as he tries to link up with Lindstrom before the pair get too clever and concede an offside.

This new-look right side has been relatively quiet but both players are doing well. Everton are essentially mixing between a 4-4-2 and 5-3-2 - withLindstrom tucking in when Spurs have possession. Interestingly, it is Branthwaite who is the one seemingly with the most freedom to break out from the back.

Meanwhile we have another stoppage as Dragusin receives treatment after a collision with DCL near the halfway line. The forward has gone into the book and the centre back is the subject of close attention from the medics.

A different Everton..

Hello everyone, Chris is starting oin his half time player ratrings so you have me until the break. I take over with Spurs enjoying their best spell of the game - and that is a big let-off. The away side has been probing away on the edge of the area but denied by a few good blocks from Mykolenko and O'Brien.

Everton get this all wrong though and a cross is pulled back to Son, 12 yards out with time and space but he only musters a tame shot that Pickford can get down to. Huge let-off for Everton, who almost punish Spurs as DCL is in again over the top. He gets his touch wrong however and Kinsky is able to step in.

Oh oh oh - Everton come again and Mangala forces Kinsky to push an effort onto the post before DCL.heads at the Spurs keeper. This is a different Everton.

BIG chances at both ends

Hello everyone, Chris is starting oin his half time player ratrings so you have me until the break. I take over with Spurs enjoying their best spell of the game - and that is a big let-off. The away side has been probing away on the edge of the area but denied by a few good blocks from Mykolenko and O'Brien.

Everton get this all wrong though and a cross is pulled back to Son, 12 yards out with time and space but he only musters a tame shot that Pickford can get down to. Huge let-off for Everton, who almost punish Spurs as DCL is in again over the top. He gets his touch wrong however and Kinsky is able to step in.

Oh oh oh - Everton come again and Mangala forces Kinsky to push an effort onto the post before DCL heads at the Spurs keeper. This is a different Everton.

Everton are back in Premier League action when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Goodison Park on Sunday in David Moyes' second match back in charge

David Moyes will lead his Everton team out for a second time this week at Goodison Park, this time taking on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Both sides will fancy their chances of turning a new page if recent form is anything to go by.

Last week Everton welcomed back Moyes for a second stint as manager. His grand return to Merseyside unfortunately did not go to plan as Aston Villa escaped with a slender 1-0 victory and still Everton linger one point above the drop zone.

At least the returning coach fully understands now the weight of the task at hand, now Tottenham present a prime opportunity to get points on the board.

Ange Postecoglou's side have lost seven of the last 11 outings, including a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat to local rivals Arsenal on Wednesday night. That run has seen them concede 21 goals.

With their relegation rivals also facing top opposition this weekend, three points here could prove crucial come the end of the term in May. Therefore, the ECHO is on hand to provide the necessary information required for supporters looking to follow the action.

When is Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur?

Everton vs Tottenham takes place on Sunday, January 19 with kick-off time of 2:00pm UK time. The match is being played at Goodison Park.

Other Premier League fixtures on Sunday are Manchester United vs Brighton, Ipswich Town vs Manchester City and Chelsea vs Wolves.

Is Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur on TV?

Yes. The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 1:00pm UK time. Subscribers will also be able to watch via Sky Go and Now TV app for desktop and mobile devices.

How else can I follow Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur?

Moyes on the transfer window

BBC Merseyside now. He is asked whether Baines is key to unlocking the potential of the current full backs?

Moyes says this is the case and he is hopeful Baines could help to support the development of Mykolenko. But right now, the focus is on the group and its progress rather than individuals.

On PSR, which Everton passed this week, he welcomes that compliance and says he hopes Everton are in a stronger place going forward.

Moyes is asked about Harrison Armstrong and says he has been "hugely impressed" by the 17-year-old.

Moyes' message to the supporters?

"They will always be incredibly loyal here, the last few years it has been nip and tuck and it could be again so we will need them. They were brilliant the other night."

Moyes says finding that first win is crucial to everyone gaining confidence.

PA: Can he influence January transfer plans?

Moyes says this is hard, coming in fresh to the situation as he is, but that he and Everton are working hard to find ways to strebgthen. In the past he felt he could look to the Championship as a root to value but says other leagues are far better covered by scouts and analysts now, so it is tougher to find a bargain.

Moyes has his own ideas - "we need players at the moment we think can help us in the Premier League".

But he does say long term prospects are on the list too, but tougher to find at this stage of the season.

That is the end of these updates

Moyes on his priority

BBC now asking questions - how tough is it to come in midway through the season?

"It is really, really difficult... coming in and trying to take over a job is never easy."

Moyes says this is easier because of his past with Everton, however and it is part of a manager's role.

When asked how long it will take to imprint his methods on this group, he responds by saying it is less about style right now and more about just trying to get this group of players into a winning habit - that is first and foremost right now.

Moyes on character and Pickford

PLP asking questions now. One of them is on the characteristics Moyes needs his players to display for Everton to improve:

"Team spirit, togetherness... that you will stand up and be counted and not hide."

"I though a lot of the players the other night, they fought hard and had a good attitude."

What does Pickford mean to Everton?

Moyes says he had Pickford at Sunderland and recommended him to Bill Kenwright.

"I had early times with Jordan and I am lkooking forward to working with him again. It is great he has 300 appearances for this club."

Back to the grind for Everton and Moyes

The weather is not the only contrast in comparison to earlier on this week, when Moyes gave his second, first Everton press conference. The sun is out and it is a fair few degrees warmer - it is also a lot quieter too.

There is still time for the media centre to fill up, but there are far fewer cameras and reporters than earlier this week and, this time, there is no shortage of space in the car park.

That is all to be expected but a pretty emphatic sign that the real work is now beginning after the clamour and buzz at the start of the week.

Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool with a 2-1 derby triumph at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday

David Raya claims Arsenal are now confident they can catch Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title after their crucial comeback win against Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners moved to within four points of Arne Slot's table-topping side after Leandro Trossard fired the winning goal on the stroke of half-time in a 2-1 derby triumph which breathes fresh life into the club's championship tilt following consecutive cup defeats by Newcastle and Manchester United.

And when it was put to Raya that Arsenal must feel optimistic that Liverpool's lead can be wiped out, the Spain international goalkeeper replied: "Yes, of course. In football, everything can happen.

"Three weeks ago, people were saying that Liverpool had the title in their hands. But it is just football and everything changes in two or three matches.

"We have to focus on ourselves, try and win every game, and see where we are at the end of the season.

"We don't want to think too far ahead because that will play badly against us. We have to live in the present, that's the most important thing."

After Liverpool had to settle for a 1-1 draw at fellow high-flyers Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, last night's fixture at the Emirates felt like a win-or-bust game in the Gunners' season.

But following an electric start they fell behind thanks to Son Heung-min's deflected opener in the 25th minute.

However, Gabriel's header from Declan Rice's corner bounced in off Dominic Solanke five minutes prior to the interval, before Trossard fired the hosts ahead.

Arsenal confirmed on the eve of the derby that Gabriel Jesus is set to be out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

And Raya continued: "It was really, really important to come with a big, big mentality (after last week). We know how important the derby is, not just for the league, but for the people that follow us.

"We showed very big character throughout the game, especially when we went behind. We were a little bit stunned but after that, we dominated the whole first half.

"We got the rewards with two goals before half-time. I am very happy with the performance, for the lads, and for Gabriel Jesus, too. He has a massive injury. This win is for him."

Liverpool have the chance to move seven points clear of the Gunners by winning their Saturday 3pm kick-off at Brentford.

Arsenal then play host to the 5.30pm kick-off when they take on an Aston Villa team who effectively ended their title challenge last season with a 2-0 win at the Emirates in April.

And Raya, who started his career with a loan spell at Southport from Blackburn Rovers, concluded: "We want to win every single game, no matter the opposition.

"We know how good Aston Villa are. We now just have to recover, train and be ready for Saturday because we know how tough it is going to be. But we are going to be ready to win the game and get the three points."

Rodrigo Bentancur was forced off against Liverpool on Wednesday night in worrying circumstances and an update has now been provided.

Liverpool have learned that Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a concussion during their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. His manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed the news; adding the north London club will follow protocol for his return.

The Reds' latest match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium began with worrying scenes as Bentancur did not rise from the turf after attempting a flicked header inside Liverpool's penalty area. Play was halted for nine minutes as Spurs' doctors rushed to his aid until he could be stretchered off the field.

However, an update has been provided. Postecoglou was, naturally, pressed on the Uruguay international during his latest pre-match press conference.

"Mostly positive news, he obviously went to hospital after the game," said Postecoglou. "He was concussed and they did every check needed to do, and I understand he's gone home now.

"So that's real positive news for us. It was a bit of a distressing situation to deal with for everyone.

"I think the players, Pedro [Porro] did a great job initially of notifying the medical team, he did a great job. Now it's just about recovery for him. There are set protocols in place but aside from those set protocols, so we'll make sure we give him as much time as he needs to get back."

While fortunately avoiding something more serious, concussions are not taken lightly in football. The FA demand up to 48 hours out of action before a "gradual" and "managed" return to play.

That said, the concussion was not recognised during Liverpool's match on Wednesday night - and so Bentancur's exit was not recorded as a concussion substitution - which would have allowed the home team one extra change later in the match. Spurs would go on to win the first leg under controversial circumstances, with midfielder Lucas Bergvall scoring a late winner after moments earlier escaping a second booking for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas - one that meant the Reds were temporarily reduced to 10 men for the goal-scoring attack.

Liverpool players largely opted against posting on social media after the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in their League Cup semi-final first leg, but not Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has acknowledged that the team have work to do after being beaten by Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final. The Reds lost in north London courtesy of a late Lucas Bergvall goal.

Despite the teenage midfielder being fortunate to still be on the pitch by that stage of the game, Liverpool were inches from conceding minutes earlier when their former striker Dominic Solanke was narrowly offside when firing past Alisson. The team have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight domestic matches.

At the other end, they failed to score for only the second time all season. The other occasion was their only previous defeat, against Nottingham Forest.

Van Dijk was the only Reds player to post on social media after their defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. "We got work to do!" the club captain posted on Instagram.

While none of them shared anything on their accounts, Alexis Mac Allister, Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas and Watarau Endo liked the post. Championship loanees Lewis Koumas and Kaide Gordon, plus even ex-skipper Jordan Henderson also did.

The current wearer of the captain's armband also shared a photo of him applauding the away fans after the match on his Instagram story with the caption: "Thanks to all of you making the trip down to London!" He also added a red heart emoji to the end of that message. The Reds had an allocation of 5,800 for the away end.

During interviews after the match, Van Dijk acknowledged to the club's website: "I'm not sure we were a level or two [below our best], but obviously, at times, I think we could have done better. But that's part of football as well: you try to play your best game ever, every one of us."

Referee Stuart Attwell addressed supporters inside the stadium after Dominic Solanke's goal was disallowed against the Reds

Supporters heard from a referee inside the stadium for the first time in English football history on Wednesday night. Stuart Attwell addressed the fans to confirm Dominic Solanke's goal was disallowed in the clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final first leg.

Solanke thought he'd scored in the second half after latching onto a through ball, although on VAR review it was deemed to be offside. After confirmation of the decision, Attwell turned on his microphone and explained the ruling for all the supporters to hear at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"After a review Dominic Solanke was in an offside position in the build-up to the goal," he said.

The moment marks the first time in English football where a referee has explained their decision over the tannoy to the supporters after a VAR review. It is an innovation that is being trialled across the two semi-finals.

The system was also in place at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for the clash between Arsenal and Newcastle United, although it was not required as the Magpies ran out 2-0 winners.

The EFL later clarified the Solanke offside decision themselves, writing on X: "Solanke’s goal was initially awarded on-field. VAR checked and determined that he was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

The opening minutes of Liverpool's Carabao Cup semi-final vs Tottenham was marred by a serious injury to Rodrigo Bentancur

Liverpool's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg away to Tottenham was brought to a sudden halt after just six minutes. It was followed by a worrying nine minutes in which Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur received treatment before being stretchered off while using an oxygen mask.

Bentancur aimed to dive to meet an outswinging corner drilled in toward's Reds goalkeeeper Alisson's left post, however hit the ground and did not get up afterward. There were no Reds players around him to make a challenge, so it is difficult to tell what was the exact cause of Bentancur's accident.

What is known is that the tie came to standstill and did not restart until the 15th minute. Club doctors tended to the midfielder in the Liverpool penalty area, metres away from where the 6,000 travelling supporters are sat in the North East corner.

A stretcher was rushed on-field by stewards, and once Bentancur had been treated he was carried off the pitch and down the tunnel. While this happened he received help breathing through use of an oxygen mask.

Spurs, writing on social media platform X, said: "We can confirm Rodrigo is conscious, talking and will go to hospital for further checks."

Brennan Johnson was substituted on in his place with Sky Sports confirming that the switch took up one of Spurs' five allowed alterations, and one of their three available windows in the match to make these changes, rather than be recorded as a concussion substitution.

Spurs vs Liverpool remains 0-0 with Slot also forced to make an early swap. Jarell Quansah has also gone off after picking up an early problem, leaving Wataru Endo to enter the fray and play out of position at centre back as he he did in the quarter-finals against Southampton.