Richarlison had given Robert de Zerbi’s disappointing facet 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, which means a penalty couldn’t be awarded.
Referee Stuart Attwell may 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 advised 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 it, however stated the Everton sport was arguably “extra essential” than the membership’s Europa League ultimate towards Manchester United final season, which they received in Bilbao.
He added: “It’s not my enterprise. My enterprise is to give attention to making ready the subsequent sport and to get the factors we want as a result of Sunday is the ultimate for us.
“This sport is essential, greater than taking part in for a trophy. Final season ended with taking part in for a trophy. We play for one thing extra essential than a trophy due to the delight and historical past of the membership.
“You may win a trophy nevertheless it doesn’t change something. An important factor is the delight 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 a giant day for us.”
