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, possibly 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 in opposition to Cucurella with a yellow card, and as soon as VAR confirmed the ball had not been kicked there was no room to provoke a evaluation and subsequent spot-kick.
Former Chelsea and England striker Daniel Sturridge instructed 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 mentioned the Everton recreation was arguably “extra essential” than the membership’s Europa League ultimate in opposition to Manchester United final season, which they gained in Bilbao.
He added: “It isn’t my enterprise. My enterprise is to concentrate on making ready the subsequent recreation and to get the factors we want as a result of Sunday is the ultimate for us.
“This recreation is essential, greater than enjoying for a trophy. Final season ended with enjoying for a trophy. We play for one thing extra essential than a trophy due to the pleasure and historical past of the membership.
“You may win a trophy however it doesn’t change something. A very powerful factor is the pleasure and dignity of the membership, in order that we will go on vacation, within the Premier League.
“Now we have to remain alive. Sunday in opposition to Everton is a giant day for us.”
