Everton can take so much spirit from their final-day defeat to Arsenal, but the match was ultimately marred by yet another VAR controversy.
It has been the story of the entire Premier League season, with almost every club having developed an outstanding grievance with the technology and those using it.
So much so that Wolverhampton Wanderers have even sent a letter suggesting it be scrapped altogether for next season.
We still await the vote on that particular matter, but for now, Sean Dyche has been left incensed at the latest issue that has once again plagued Everton.
Sean Dyche on controversial VAR call vs Everton
Speaking to TNT Sports immediately after his side’s defeat at the Emirates, the former Burnley boss was buoyed by a fine performance, but frustrated by one flashpoint.
The moment in question was unsurprisingly the late winning goal, tapped in by Kai Havertz, but controversially created by Martin Odegaard.
In the build-up, the ball did seem to quite clearly strike the arm Gabriel Jesus, but despite the handball rule having been particularly strict all campaign when directly leading to a goal, it was allowed.
Dyche was baffled, and would voice his grievances at the first opportunity.
He claimed: ‘I thought we’ve had a real go. Difficult for us because our work’s done in the season. Quite happy with the performance actually, it’s not easy to come down here.
‘Referees decision changes the game. I couldn’t believe it myself, but anyway. It felt like one of them games, they were getting a lot so they were probably going to get that and they did.
‘Handball. Simple as that. We’re all wondering what’s going on with the handball. No one knows, and today’s another one. It’s almost like tossing a coin. For me it’s a handball that leads to a goal, it should be stopped.’
Another questionable call goes against Everton
Considering Everton’s fan forum argued many VAR calls with an impassioned letter, detailing but a handful of numerous refereeing failures that have hampered them this season, there was hope that some kind of impartiality may remain.
And whilst many might point to the fortune earned against Nottingham Forest, with Ashley Young avoiding three penalty shouts, this was but one game in a long season of officiating gaffes.
Penalty shouts waved away, and goals against them allowed for inexplicable reasons.
Just a few examples outlined saw Beto’s shirt pulled in the box against Crystal Palace with no penalty, and the same happened to Amadou Onana vs Tottenham Hotspur.
In that same match, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal was ruled out for the softest of fouls.
The Toffees have been so desperately unlucky in a campaign riddled with setbacks. Hopefully, whether VAR stays or goes, Dyche can enjoy a safer, more stable campaign next season.
