The name’s Gray… Demarai Gray.
He was denied his (double 0) seventh goal of the season by VAR on Saturday but number 11 is still being given a “licence” to thrill by Sean Dyche on his special mission to try and keep Everton in the Premier League. Despite not starting in Dyche’s first five games in charge of the Blues, Gray was recalled for the trip to Nottingham Forest and marked his return by scoring from the penalty spot to put the visitors ahead in a 2-2 draw.
The 26-year-old is Everton’s top scorer so far this season with his effort from 12 yards out at the City Ground being his sixth goal of the campaign but after slotting in against Brentford at Goodison Park, referee Simon Hooper disallowed his effort for a supposed handball after consulting with David Coote who was on VAR duties back at Stockley Park. Video evidence both inside the stadium at the time and on television since looks inconclusive while a still photograph of the incident seems to show the ball hitting Gray’s chest but despite the setback – the player himself took to Instagram to share a picture of him celebrating in front of the Park End with the caption: “Thanks VAR” – Dyche is pleased with how the former Leicester City man is taking to his new task of leading the line.
