Hackett: Anthony Taylor wows in Crystal Palace vs Everton as Michael Oliver falls
Keith Hackett says that Anthony Taylor is now the “number one” referee in the Premier League after his excellent officiating as Crystal Palace faced Everton.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he was extremely impressed with the way Taylor refereed the Toffee’s 2-1 win over the Eagles.
Marc Guehi impressed for Crystal Palace in their loss to Everton, but there were questions raised at the decision not to award yellow cards to some of the Toffees’ players, with a foul on Will Hughes in the 59th minute raising eyebrows, followed by hesitancy to book James Garner later in the second half.
But Hackett believes the official has moderated his style correctly since setting the Premier League booking record with 14 in Chelsea’s win over Bournemouth in September.
The win for Everton now puts them 13th, one point above David Moyes’ old side Man United.
Moyes has been a revelation since being rehired by Everton, and has won four of his first six league games since replacing Sean Dyche.
Everton show determination in games against Liverpool and Crystal Palace
The Toffees are in the unenviable position of going into almost every Premier League game as the underdogs, but Moyes and his side are relishing in their role of the league’s disruptors.
Following a tense Merseyside Derby, where Everton fought back in the 98th minute to draw 2-2 against their rivals Liverpool, the Toffee’s made the trip to Selhurst Park.
Abdoulaye Doucoure was sent off after full-time against Liverpool, as Oliver put himself in the spot light by showing four red cards in the wake of chaotic scenes, with Liverpool trio Curtis Jones, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff all following.
But Carlos Alcaraz, who joined Everton in the January transfer window, stepped up in place of the former Watford man to score the match-winner against the Eagles.
Moyes has instilled a belief in his players that was missing under Dyche, and they now go into every game looking likely to get a result.
Everton vs Crystal Palace verdict given by ex-PGMOL chief
Both Everton and Crystal Palace competed with a ferocity, but the Toffees were surprisingly only awarded one yellow card, that was shown to James Garner in the 67th minute.
When asked by Football Insider, Hackett gave his verdict on Taylor’s officiating performance, saying:
“Anthony Taylor officiated this game and frankly it was good to witness him applying a great deal of common sense and managing players effectively without the over use of yellow cards.
“He is currently our top and most experienced referees and I applaud his efforts to adjust his performance, and I hope the PGMOL and his boss will give him encouragement to use his communication skills and be less confrontational.
“A top class performance from him in this game. For me, our current number one whilst Oliver attempts to regain some form.”