Everton’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest yesterday has dominated the headlines.
However, it was not Dwight McNeil’s pinpoint long-range strike, nor was it Sean Dyche’s defensive tactical shrewdness that caught the attention.
Instead, VAR has once again stolen the show.
Three flashpoints inside the Toffees penalty area saw three penalty shouts waved away, much to the dismay of the travelling fans.
But Stan Collymore has remarkably sided with Everton.
Stan Collymore delivers assessment on Everton VAR drama
Taking to X, the former Forest and Liverpool striker was rather cutting in his analysis of those who agreed with the statement released after the match.
Having been on the end of three hugely contentious decisions, in which none of them saw a penalty awarded to the visitors, the Tricky Trees released the following statement: ‘Three extremely poor decisions – three penalties not given – which we simply cannot accept.
‘We warned the PGMOL that the VAR is a Luton fan before the game but they didn’t change him. Our patience has been tested multiple times. NFFC will now consider its options.’
Collymore, though, was having none of it. He quickly condemned such a claim, and ridiculed anyone who supported it, in turn receiving plenty of backlash from those who used to chant his name.
He would respond to those detractors though in typically bullish style, writing: ‘If you think it’s because Stuart Attwell, in a team of 6, deliberately on behalf of Luton Town denied Forest 3 penalties, then I’m calling you and anyone else, with the absence of ANY evidence to the contrary…
‘Certifiably insane.’
Everton take a huge step towards Premier League survival
Regardless of the outstanding controversy to emerge from the match, Everton claimed a huge victory in their attempts to avoid the drop again.
Having achieved Premier League survival narrowly in the last two seasons, it seemed like they might cruise to that goal this campaign given the lack of quality at the bottom end of the table.
However, two points deductions dragged them back into the dogfight, alongside a truly abysmal run of form.
But with this win, they are now five points ahead of Luton Town in 18th. They seem to once again be set to pull off the impossible.
And even if it was a result shrouded in controversy, they will not care. Hopefully, survival this term can finally provide the spark needed to progress toward bigger, better and more enjoyable things.