Alex Iwobi has provided an insight of how Everton’s dressing room reacted to the controversial decision not to award them a late penalty against Manchester City.
Phil Foden’s 82nd-minute strike finally broke stubborn Everton resistance against the reigning Premier League champions and leaders but shortly afterwards, City midfielder Rodri controlled the ball in his area with his arm.
Referee Paul Tierney did not spot the incident from his vantage point but despite vehement protests from home players and fans for what looked like a blatant handball, VAR official Chris Kavanagh did not deem it worthy of a second look from his colleague on a pitchside monitor.
Speaking to evertontv, Iwobi said: “We should have had a penalty. It’s been the talk of the changing room.
“We’re all shocked but it’s just something we have to get on with. The decision has been made and we have to focus on the next game now.
“The manager has given everyone the confidence that we are a really good team, can be very good on the ball.
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“He just wants us to trust our ability. It’s not just me, we are all thriving off him and enjoying it.”
Iwobi was clapped off by the Blues supporters when he was substituted late on.
And he added: “I’m happy with my performance and grateful for the reception I got from fans when I went off but we wanted the result our performance deserved.
“We can be pleased with how we played, though.
“Personally, the manager’s support gives me the belief that I can go out and express myself and enjoy the games.
“It really helps me to show what I’ve got. It works for me and it works for the team. Long may that continue.”
Iwobi insists that despite the disappointment, Everton must consider what was good from the display as they look forwards.
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He said: “There are a lot of positives that we’re going to take.
“We’re going to analyse the game and move forward. If we apply ourselves like we did today with the other games that are coming up, we know we can do well.
“The formation was good. We tried to congest the midfield. City like to break through the lines but they struggled to get through our defence. It worked for us today but we may change again.
“We’ve played a number of formations and whatever the gaffer decides to do we’ll be ready to give our best.
“We can’t stay negative over this. We need to move on and push on. We have that confidence, we believe we did well even though the result doesn’t reflect that but we take the positives and move on.”
