VAR officials agreed with referee Anthony Taylor's decision to award a game-changing penalty against Everton.
The Blues were the better side and carrying momentum into the final half an hour of the match when Taylor pointed to the spot after Idrissa Gueye challenged John McGinn.
Replays suggested Gueye reached the ball, flicking it away from the Aston Villa captain as he bore down on goal. The decision was checked by VAR officials but not referred back to Taylor as they agreed with the original call. The ECHO understands it was decided Gueye made contact with McGinn before reaching the ball.
EFC RATINGS: Idrissa Gueye rash and seven others poor against Aston Villa
READ MORE: Everton anger over Anthony Taylor cannot hide truth for Sean Dyche
Ollie Watkins converted the penalty and Villa saw out the rest of the match, nullifying Everton until Emiliano Buendia added a second in the final minutes.
Before the penalty Jordan Pickford had made a brilliant save to push a Watkins header onto the post but Neal Maupay had forced Tyrone Mings to clear off the line and Everton had a series of further chances after overcoming early Villa pressure.
Speaking after the match, Dyche said he had not yet seen a replay of the penalty decision. Asked about the decision in his post-match press conference, he said: "I haven't seen it up close. I am a believer in VAR so I can only imagine they have got it right...When I see it I will make a decision but I don't know whether it is clumsy or if he does get a touch on the ball."
READ NEXT:
Everton haunted by board failures and six unused players just proved it
Sean Dyche gives bleak Calvert-Lewin update after Everton lose to Villa
-
Rate the players after Everton lose at home to Aston Villa
-
Everton next six matches after Aston Villa loss compared to relegation rivals
- Everton protest led by children sends message to board ahead of Aston Villa game
