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Liverpool defeated Everton 1-0 with a goal from Diogo Jota, in a game marked by controversial refereeing decisions.
Jota’s goal, his first league goal since mid-January, helped Liverpool maintain a comfortable lead over second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League. The victory also extended Everton manager David Moyes’ winless streak at Anfield to 22 visits.
The main controversy of the match centered on an early challenge by Everton defender James Tarkowski on Alexis Mac Allister. Tarkowski’s tackle was widely criticized for its excessive force, with former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson describing it as a “straight red all day.”
Referee Sam Barrott, officiating his first Merseyside derby at Anfield, initially gave Tarkowski a yellow card. VAR did not intervene, and the Premier League later described the tackle as “reckless.”
The incident set a tense tone for the rest of the game. Everton had two significant chances in the first half, with a Beto goal ruled offside and Beto later hitting the post in a one-on-one with Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah had a header saved by Jordan Pickford, and Ryan Gravenberch’s shot was easily collected by the Everton keeper.
Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Jota evaded Everton’s defense and scored past Pickford.
The match also saw referee Barrott make another questionable call late in the game, when he awarded a foul against Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.
Despite the controversies, Liverpool secured the win, moving closer to a second title in five years.
