Everton could not quite secure themselves a result on their return to Premier League football against Liverpool.
David Moyes’ track record at Anfield did not provide much optimism of getting much from the Reds, but Everton had their chances.
Diogo Jota’s goal provided the difference, but even that was covered in controversy with the officials coming under real scrutiny.
James Tarkowski was fortunate not to be sent off after his shocker of a challenge on midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The Toffees have to go again on Saturday lunchtime as they welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park leaving little time to dwell on their loss.
It was certainly not the result Evertonians were hoping for, but here are five things we learned from Everton’s defeat across Stanley Park at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Luis Diaz was definitely offside for Liverpool’s goal
Jota’s goal stood, but Tarkowski was forced into making an interception with Luis Diaz standing in an offside position in the build-up.
Mark Clattenburg believes Diaz was offside, as he told Everton.News the Colombia international was interfering with play.
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“The defender clearly wants to stop Luis Diaz getting to the ball. He doesn’t know that Luis Diaz is in an offside position, but he wants to stop the ball going through to him,” he said.
Jarrad Branthwaite could be clearly seen protesting the decision as soon as Jota put the ball in the back of the net.
However, PGMOL may need to change their offside rules for decisions like this to go the way of the defending side in the future.
Everton cannot keep Jack Harrison beyond this season
Plain and simple, it has been a terrible season for Jack Harrison.
Moyes has demanded more from Harrison in recent weeks, and despite scoring against Wolves, he has failed to up his game.
The 28-year-old’s loan deal on Merseyside comes to an end at the conclusion of the season, with Harrison’s future under scrutiny.
Leeds expect Harrison to return from his Everton loan on the back of his dismal season at Goodison Park.
And Wednesday night was no different, with Gary Neville criticising Harrison as Moyes was left a frustrated figure.
Everton need to sign a reliable striker this summer
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin out through injury, Beto has been provided a real opportunity to shine for the Toffees.
The early signs were positive with the Portuguese striker finding his shooting boots.
However, the 27-year-old has now gone four Premier League games without finding the back of the net following four consecutive games of scoring.
Everton want to sign a new striker this summer, but Moyes needs quality as well as just adding to his squad depth.
Beto had a huge opportunity to score against Liverpool, but as he did against Wolves, the striker squandered it and it proved costly for Everton.
James Tarkowski is incredibly lucky not to be suspended
The irony in all of this controversy is the yellow card issued to the defender saw James Tarkowski make Premier League history.
The 32-year-old needs to count himself incredibly fortunate to be eligible to play on the weekend when Arsenal travel to Merseyside.
Tarkowski apologised to Alexis Mac Allister after full-time as it was apparent he was well aware he should have been sent off.
It has been another solid season defensively for the Toffees and they could well have lost the player who has become the most reliable in that back four.
A daunting month awaits Everton
It has now been over a month since Everton last won in the Premier League, with their unbeaten run – before Wednesday – consisting of a lot of draws.
Moyes will be keen for Everton to get another three points on the board, but it is not going to be easy for the Blues.
Everton have a torrid run of fixtures ahead of them with some seriously tough games coming up.
Although the Toffees had their chances through Beto, they are going to need to be more prolific if they are going to cause some upsets this month.