Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby, moving them closer to the Premier League title. The match was marked by controversial decisions that left both managers with talking points.
Diogo Jota scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute, his first since January, but Everton manager David Moyes was unhappy with the build-up. Moyes claimed Luis Diaz was in an offside position when Ryan Gravenberch played the ball forward, affecting James Tarkowski’s defensive actions.
“He’s offside,” Moyes insisted. “All our players are holding the 18-yard line and Diaz has come from behind and affects Tarky from behind. I’m really surprised it wasn’t given.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the controversial nature of the decision: “It was not offside according to the rules. Do I like the rules? No. I hate that rule, but the execution of the rule was fortunately for us well done.”
Another contentious moment came early in the match when Tarkowski’s challenge on Alexis Mac Allister resulted in only a yellow card. While Tarkowski won the ball, his follow-through caught the Argentine high on the calf. Many observers, including former Everton player Duncan Ferguson, believed it warranted a red card.
Moyes admitted: “Since I’ve seen it, we could have been lucky he didn’t get a red. It looked high but it depends what era you want to watch your football in.”
The victory marked Liverpool’s 100th derby win and extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points, while ending Everton’s nine-match unbeaten run under Moyes.
Despite questioning the officials, Moyes had “no complaints” about the result, acknowledging Liverpool’s superiority on the night.
