Everton manager Sean Dyche criticised the handball rules after Everton’s 3-1 Premier League defeat by Manchester City, labelling the penalty decision as “bizarre” and a “farce.” The contentious call saw Amadou Onana concede a penalty after a ball struck his arm during City’s clash with Everton, with Julian Alvarez converting the spot-kick.
“The handball laws are a farce. He’s not putting his arm up to save it; he’s literally jumping in to try to block the ball,” Dyche expressed, highlighting the subjectivity of such decisions and the need to review the current rules.
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg acknowledged that while the decision adhered to the existing laws, the ambiguity in the legislation required revision to achieve consistency in matches.
Meanwhile, Chelsea secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, but Mauricio Pochettino remained concerned about the team’s inconsistent form. The late penalty converted by substitute Noni Madueke offered a glimmer of hope for Chelsea, yet Pochettino emphasised the need for more consistent performances from his squad.
“We’re positive and need to show we can compete,” Pochettino urged, reflecting on the team’s up-and-down season and the necessity for sustained performance.
In another action-packed match, Wolverhampton Wanderers surged to a 4-1 victory over Brentford, powered by Hwang Hee-chan’s brace. The Korean forward was pivotal in securing the win, netting twice despite an injury scare late in the first half.
“Delighted,” exclaimed Wolves captain Max Kilman, thrilled by the team’s back-to-back wins and their ascent to 11th place in the Premier League standings. The victory marked a significant improvement for Wolves, who have shown resilience after a challenging start to the season.
