David Moyes and Everton will have felt hard done by in the 1-0 Merseyside Derby defeat to Liverpool.
Everton were unfortunate to see their nine-game unbeaten streak come to an end at the hands of their bitter rivals.
In a game that did not lack controversy, James Tarkowski was lucky not to be sent off for Everton.
Even though he was only branded a yellow, Tarkowski’s tackle was deemed ‘reckless’ for Everton, and fans certainly raised eyebrows at the decision.
However, Evertonians might feel slightly more aggrieved by Diogo Jota’s winning goal, with Moyes having a strong word with referee Sam Barrott.
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images
What David Moyes said to Merseyside Derby referee in Everton defeat
The Scotsman’s record of not winning at Anfield unfortunately continued, but it was a spirited performance by his Toffees side.
Even though it was a positive display, Gary Neville was left unimpressed with Jack Harrison, as the winger’s game stood out above all, but not in a good way.
However, it was the referee’s performance in the middle of the pitch that made the headlines.
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Luis Diaz was clearly offside in the build-up, affecting Tarkowski’s positioning, which lead to Jota’s goal on the 57th-minute mark, and despite a VAR check, the goal stood.
Moyes made his feelings very clear to Barrott and VAR after the game in his post-match press conference.
“I’ve not asked for an explanation, but I’ve told them I’m disappointed,” Moyes said.
“Diaz comes from behind and affects Tarky clearly.
“I’m really surprised it wasn’t given, or maybe I’m not surprised.”
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Moyes will be hoping Barrott stays away from Everton games
Evertonians will have already known of referee Barrott before the game had started, as this isn’t the only time he’s cost Moyes points.
Funnily enough, it came in Moyes’ only Premier League defeat before the Liverpool game as Barrott should’ve sent off Amadou Onana, which could’ve changed the outcome of the Aston Villa defeat in January.
With such a major decision now being made in the Merseyside Derby, this will leave Moyes praying he doesn’t have to deal with Barrott’s mistakes again anytime soon.
Everton deserved more out of the game, and once again, it’s refereeing errors that prove to be the burden.