Everton 2-3 West Ham - 6 Things We Learned

By Mark Langshaw /

5. Referee Anthony Taylor Got Key Decisions Wrong

It has to be said, Kevin Mirallas€™s sending off for a second bookable offence was harsh. Although the Belgium international deserved his latter yellow for a late challenge on Aaron Cresswell, the first was contentious. The winger received his first caution from referee Anthony Taylor for simulation following a hard challenge by Cheikhou Kouyate, but replays showed that there was contact when the Hammers midfielder committed himself. While that call went against Everton, Taylor€™s next gaffe fell in their favour. His decision to award the home side a penalty for Alex Song€™s challenge on Besic was the wrong shout. It was a foul, no question - but it occurred just outside of the box. Taylor€™s lax approach to refereeing continued as the penalty was being taken, with Hammers goalkeeper Adrian straying from his line before Lukaku had struck the ball - perhaps the official€™s final error made amends for the previous one?