The Premier League Match Centre has clarified why Everton's opening goal in their 3-3 draw with Manchester City was permitted to stand. The goal, scored by Thierno Barry, initially saw the linesman raise his flag for offside, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned.
The Match Centre explained on X: '#EVEMCI – 69’ The referee’s call of goal for Everton was checked and confirmed by VAR - with it deemed that there was no offside offence as Guehi deliberately played the ball.' Marc Guehi's back pass, which was intercepted by Barry, was considered a deliberate play, resetting the offside phase.
City fell further behind when Jake O'Brien scored from a corner, and Barry added a third after turning in a poor shot. However, Erling Haaland pulled one back immediately, and Jeremy Doku equalised deep into stoppage time to secure a point for the visitors.
The draw leaves Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League, with City now needing results to go their way in the title race. City's next match is against Brentford, while Arsenal face West Ham.
