Richarlison had given Robert de Zerbi’s disappointing aspect hope, after Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos gave the hosts a deserved two-goal benefit, when Chelsea‘s combative left-back Marc Cucurella unceremoniously dragged Spurs defender Micky van de Ven to the ground.
It got here as Mathys Tel ready to take a nook and Spurs demanded a penalty that by no means got here, their disbelief doubled when Cucurella was cautioned over the incident.
Video assistant referee (VAR) checks detected his foul got here seconds, perhaps even one second, earlier than the ball got here into play, that means a penalty couldn’t be awarded.
Referee Stuart Attwell might solely take motion towards Cucurella with a yellow card, and as soon as VAR confirmed the ball had not been kicked there was no room to provoke a overview and subsequent spot-kick.
Former Chelsea and England striker Daniel Sturridge informed Sky Sports activities: “One second distinction and it’s a assured penalty. Cucurella is so fortunate.”
It was the tightest of calls.
Spurs boss De Zerbi refused to dwell on the controversy, however mentioned the Everton recreation was arguably “extra necessary” than the membership’s Europa League last towards Manchester United final season, which they received in Bilbao.
He added: “It isn’t my enterprise. My enterprise is to concentrate on making ready the following recreation and to get the factors we’d like as a result of Sunday is the ultimate for us.
“This recreation is necessary, greater than taking part in for a trophy. Final season ended with taking part in for a trophy. We play for one thing extra necessary than a trophy due to the satisfaction and historical past of the membership.
“You may win a trophy however it doesn’t change something. An important factor is the satisfaction and dignity of the membership, in order that we will go on vacation within the Premier League.
“We now have to remain alive. Sunday towards Everton is an enormous day for us.”
