Liverpool made it 100 victories over Merseyside rivals Everton as they ran out 1-0 winners over the Toffees in Wednesday night’s derby at Anfield.
Diogo Jota was the difference-maker for Liverpool on 57 minutes as he fired home his first goal in 12 games for club and country.
As is often the case with Merseyside derbies, there were some controversial moments, such as James Tarkowski’s lunge on Alexis Mac Allister.
A stray ball was cleared by Tarkowski, who followed through with a studs-up challenge on Mac Allister that prompted a VAR review.
Tarkowski only received a yellow card, much to the consternation of the home contingent.
Indeed, one Liverpool substitute had to be “restrained” by Reds manager Arne Slot in wake of the Everton man’s challenge on Mac Allister.
Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo had to be restrained by Arne Slot
Sky Sports journalist Adam Bate said Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo was outraged by Tarkowski’s tackle and was ready to confront the officials.
However, the Liverpool boss restrained the Reds substitute, so as to avoid any disciplinary repercussions.
“Typically heavy tackle by Tarkowski, he loves a follow through with those,” Bate said on Sky Sports, live from Anfield.
“Gakpo has to be restrained by Slot as he jumps off the bench to confront the officials on the touchline.”
What pundits said about James Tarkowski’s tackle on Alexis Mac Allister
Opinion about Tarkowski’s tackle was unanimous among Sky Sports pundits along the lines of him deserving a red card instead of just a yellow.
And it wasn’t just Liverpool-leaning pundits and neutrals – Everton legend Duncan Ferguson also felt Tarkowski should have been sent off.
“There is no argument,” said Ferguson. “It’s a straight red. It’s a leg-breaker. He should have given the red on the pitch.”
Paul Merson said: “It’s unbelievable. How has he not been sent off? It gets worse, it’s a shocker.
Meanwhile, Gary Neville said: “It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that.”
Even Mike Dean felt Tarkowski should’ve been given his marching orders by Paul Tierney.
“He should have gone to the screen and he should be off,” said the retired referee. “It is a horrible challenge… it is a red card all day.”
