Everton defender James Tarkowski escaped a red card for a high challenge on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister

Everton defender James Tarkowski escaped a red card for a high challenge on Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister

James Tarkowski made sure to speak to Alexis Mac Allister after Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Everton, with the defender incredibly lucky to stay on the pitch after his reckless tackle.

Everton and Liverpool were both lucky at Anfield on Wednesday night, but for two different reasons.

The former were fortunate to still have 11 men on the pitch and the latter would have been breathing a sigh of relief after Alexis Mac Allister managed to see out the match.

• READ: Premier League ‘explain’ Tarkowski foul decision

Tarkowski’s challenge was reckless, high and out of control and yet he only received a yellow card despite the football world being united in the view it was a clear and obvious red.

Referee Sam Barrott showed a yellow and VAR Paul Tierney failed to recommend an on-field review, enabling Tarkowski to apologise to the Argentine on the pitch after the full-time whistle.

James Tarkowski apologises to Alexis Mac Allister at full-time ? pic.twitter.com/EO09rZ47Zx

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025

Mac Allister appeared to be content with a handshake before moving on to the next player, but Tarkowski pulled him closer for a word – as he should.

Liverpool’s No. 10 seemed to leave on good terms but he was incredibly fortunate to have been able to see out the match.

Premier League explain Tarkowski decision

Barrott immediately showed a yellow card and Tierney reviewed the incident but did not recommend an on-field review to take place.

The official explanation from the Premier League Match Centre is as follows: “The referee’s call of yellow card for a reckless foul by Tarkowski was checked by the VAR, with contact on the follow through after Tarkowski had played the ball deemed to be reckless.”

Reckless is awfully generous.

What has been said

Arne Slot did not want to be drawn into the discussion, but he made his feelings known even if he did not say all that much.

He said: “So many people gave their opinion and a lot of people who are not in favour of Liverpool were so clear about it.”

One of those ‘not in favour’ is Gary Neville, who declared on Sky Sports: “That’s a potential leg-breaker.

“I think he’s very lucky there. There will be those that say it’s a natural follow-through.

“If you’re a defender, Carragher will be able to tell you even better than me, you don’t need to follow through like that. Such force, and it’s high. He’s very lucky.”

Jamie Carragher added: “The ref should give it on the pitch, for Paul Tierney to not give it on VAR is shocking.”

Liverpool 1-0 Everton

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David Moyes thought Everton was hard done by in its 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield— despite Blues center-back James Tarkowski somehow getting away with a horrendous tackle early in the game.

"We were a lot closer to them in the two games since I came back into the club than most people would have expected," Moyes said live on Sky Sports post-match. "We've given them a really good game.

"Tonight was really tight and there was an offside goal which they get and that's the difference. The player behind Tarkowski [Luis Diaz] is clearly offside and it's a very easy decision to give. I can't understand any reason why that wouldn't have been given."

On the Tarkowski tackle on Alexis Mac Allister, Moyes refused to accept that his side had been fortunate. Instead, he insisted that the offside was a much bigger issue.

"My first thought was that it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game — a tackle we would have seen a few years ago," he said. "I understand nowadays things are slightly different with follow-throughs etc.

"We might have got a bit lucky but don't be [equating] that with the goal. The goal was a different incident and that won Liverpool the game in the end."

Moyes did accept that Everton is a long way behind Liverpool at the moment. And his wait for a win at Anfield goes on.

"We had a few chances but we're not kidding ourselves," Moyes added. "Liverpool were the better team and there is no hiding that fact. They are top of the league but we showed a lot of resilience and made some chances.

Alexis Mac Allister cries out in pain after James Tarkowski's foul. (Image: Getty Images)

"It's just gut-wrenching when you feel the end result has come from something that we didn't feel was deserved. We were desperate to get something out of the game and the players have been doing brilliantly well.

"Liverpool were better but we tried to close the gap between our level and their level and for long periods, I think we did a good job of it. At the moment, they are the best team in the league and we were unfortunate not to get something out of it."

Liverpool.com says: Moyes surely cannot argue that Tarkowski should have stayed on the field. It is quite ridiculous to think anything other than it was a red card.

As for the offside, it could have been given but the explanation is clear: Luis Diaz did not move towards the ball. That is inarguable, even if he does interfere to some extent by making Tarkowski play the ball. The law is wrong, if anything, rather than the application.

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Report from Ian Doyle after the clash with Everton at Anfield in the Merseyside derby

Report from Ian Doyle after the clash with Everton at Anfield in the Merseyside derby

Curtis Jones was needed at right-back against Everton and showed the qualities Liverpool need in the absence of their specialists, and he will have enjoyed the 1-0 win at Anfield!

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez injured, Jarell Quansah looked destined to be retained at right-back but Arne Slot settled on Jones and his dynamism.

The Reds looked better for it, especially in possession with Jones ending the match as the most accurate passer (93%) to play 45 minutes or more, as per FotMob.

He did his job and did it well, helping move Liverpool to within 13 points of the Premier League title, although he was not the biggest talking point after an incredibly poor refereeing performance.

Curtis Jones again showing his huge worth to Liverpool tonight. Some shift he put in at right-back. Completed 68 of his 73 passes (93%), won 3 out of 5 duels, and won possession six times (only Gravenberch managed more).#LFC

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) April 2, 2025

FairPlay Jonesy has a a real solid game in @ RB ??

— lee (@leecYNWA) April 2, 2025

Curtis Jones stood up for the fans at Goodison and didn't give Everton an inch today. He fucking hates these and I love him. The Scouser in our team.

— barry (@BackseatsmanLFC) April 2, 2025

Curtis Jones btw what a performance out of position today

— Mark (@MarkkJooste) April 2, 2025

“Great result, Curtis proving his worth again.”

– Cp08 in TIA comments section.

Curtis Jones mate. I fucking love the bones of that man.

— Craig Hannan (@C_Hannan7) April 2, 2025

Referee Sam Barrott could not escape criticism, rightly so…

One of football's great myths is that refs constantly favour Liverpool at Anfield.

It's SO often the opposite. Refs try to overly show they won't be intimidated, making appalling decisions against the Reds in the process.

— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) April 2, 2025

Never seen a ref give as many decisions against us at Anfield. Like he's proving a point

— Kennyboyneil (@kennyboyneil) April 2, 2025

That is one of the worst refereeing performances ever, which is saying something.

But I'll say again; when you crap on about corrupt PGMOL, how Sky want a close title race, then you sound like the biggest idiot Arsenal fans you regularly berate.

— Steven Kelly (@SteKelly198586) April 2, 2025

“It ain’t just derbies where we’ve had some shocking refereeing AND VAR clearing some blatantly wrong decisions, but 2 in a row against this lot with very little in the way of football nuance & plenty of football cloggers.”

– Speelautomaat in TIA comments section.

“One of the most blatant, red card worthy tackles I’ve seen in a long while but the officiating doesn’t surprise anyone anymore.”

– SteviesRightFoot in TIA comments section.

Utterly incompetent refereeing display, among the worst I’ve seen this season… and that’s quite some bar.

— Rohan Kallicharan (@ro_jito) April 2, 2025

Legitimately one of the worst refereeing performances of all time. And that takes some doing.

— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) April 2, 2025

Fair play to Sam Barrott. Most people would look at Michael Oliver's performance in the Goodison derby and think, "Fair play, no way I can do worse than that," but he's given it a proper go here. https://t.co/HRnk100o0x

— barry (@BackseatsmanLFC) April 2, 2025

We can all agree that the Premier League has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to their officials.

Thankfully, unlike the Goodison Merseyside derby, we are not left to stew over refereeing decisions and instead we can celebrate moving to within four wins and a draw of the title.

Liverpool 1-0 Everton

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Jamie Carragher noticed Arne Slot ’s telling full-time reaction as Liverpool beat Everton 1-0 on Wednesday to take a huge step towards winning the Premier League title.

Diogo Jota’s second-half strike separated the sides in the Merseyside derby at Anfield as Liverpool moved to within 13 points of guaranteeing top spot in the 2024/25 season. But it was far from a straightforward affair, in a game that produced few chances as Liverpool battled to earn a valuable and hard-fought win.

The relief was clear at Anfield after the game, as the Reds got back to winning ways after two consecutive defeats before the international break that ended their hopes of winning both the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

It’s why the title race was the focus for Carragher post-match, more so than getting one over on Liverpool’s local rivals. “It’s not about bragging rights,” said the former defender. “It’s about Liverpool needing 16 points to 13. That’s exactly where they are right now.”

Slot promised to try and keep a lid on his emotions on Wednesday, especially after losing his cool in the previous derby in February. He cut a more controlled figure, urging players to step away from arguments and indicating how long was left in the latter stages of injury-time.

“For the majority of the season the manager has been very unemotional,” said Carragher. “You could see him at the end of the game telling the players there was 10 seconds left. That meant a lot to him because he knows [how important it is].

“You go back to the [first] Merseyside derby this season which was the first time you’ve seen him lose control and a few first bumps there - not Jurgen Klopp-like - but a tell-tale sign that it has probably been a long two and half weeks for him since that cup final against Newcastle. He needed to see the Liverpool team that he’s seen all season. He saw that tonight.

Jamie Carragher stressed the importance of Liverpool taking three points against Everton. (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)

“Liverpool have had to wait so long since that Newcastle game,” Carragher added, referencing the 17-day break in the fixture schedule since the Carabao Cup final. “It wasn’t just losing the game, it was the manner of the defeat. That would have stayed with the players for a long time. They were away on international duty and had to wait; no game at the weekend.

“No matter how many people say the league is over, when you’re inside the club or the team that it feels like the title is over, it never feels like that. It probably even felt like that for Liverpool supporters - towards the end of the game it was very nervous in the stadium, they wanted the final whistle to be blown.

“You can talk about how they’re 12 points in front and no Arsenal fans think they have a chance of winning the league, but Liverpool fans think they do. The players will and it’s not done until it’s done.”

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James Tarkowski was booked for a tackle on Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton

James Tarkowski was booked for a tackle on Alexis Mac Allister during the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton

Latest Liverpool news as Arne Slot's side claimed a 1-0 win over Everton with Diogo Jota scoring the winner at Anfield in the Merseyside derby

Latest Liverpool news as Arne Slot's side claimed a 1-0 win over Everton with Diogo Jota scoring the winner at Anfield in the Merseyside derby

Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Merseyside derby against Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday evening

Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Merseyside derby against Everton in the Premier League on Wednesday evening

Liverpool restored their 12-point advantage at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Everton in a controversial Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Diogo Jota's fine goal in front of the Kop just before the hour mark won it after David Moyes' side had boasted the clearer openings in a first half that should have seen James Tarkowski sent off for what most regarded as a horrible foul on Alexis Mac Allister.

After that, Beto had one ruled out for offside and hit the post with another chance as Liverpool, who lost the Carabao Cup final last time out having been knocked out of the Champions League in their previous home fixture, struggled to show their best again.

But Arne Slot's side piled on the pressure in the second half, Jota's moment of quality, twisting and turning inside the box, proving decisive. It is now a century of wins for Liverpool against Everton. This one takes them a step closer to the Premier League title.

Player ratings:

Liverpool: Kelleher (6), Jones (7), Konate (7), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (6), Gravenberch (6), Mac Allister (6), Szoboszlai (7), Salah (6), Jota (8), Diaz (8).

Subs: Nunez (6), Gakpo (n/a), Endo (n/a).

Everton: Pickford (6), O’Brien (6), Tarkowski (5), Branthwaite (6), Mykolenko (7), Gana (7), Garner (6), Doucoure (6), Harrison (6), Alcaraz (6), Beto (7).

Subs: Ndiaye (6), Young (n/a), Broja (n/a), Iroegbunam (n/a), Chermiti (n/a).

Player of the Match: Diogo Jota.

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Diogo Jota gives Liverpool the derby day lead over Everton

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Should James Tarkowski have seen red for this challenge on Alexis Mac Allister? Carra: That meant a lot to Slot

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher at Anfield:

"It's not about bragging rights. It's about Liverpool going from needing 16 points to needing 13 points [to mathematically claim the title].

"The majority of this season the manager has been unemotional. But it meant a lot to him. It's probably been a long two and a half weeks for him since losing to Newcastle."

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How they saw Tarkowski challenge...

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean:

"He should have gone to the screen and he should be off. It is a horrible challenge. I don't care what the Match Centre says. It was a stonewall red card."

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher:

“He has to see that – has to! It’s a shocking tackle, we know it should be a red card, it’s not even up for debate."

Sky Sports' Gary Neville:

"It is a horrible tackle. He did not need to follow through like that."

Sky Sports' Paul Merson:

"It's unbelievable. How has he not been sent off? It gets worse, it's a shocker."

Everton legend Duncan Ferguson on Sky Sports:

"There is no argument. It's a straight red. It's a leg-breaker. He should have given the red on the pitch."

Still no red for Tarkowski!

Everton’s James Tarkowski, who was booked tonight, has the joint most yellow cards without ever being sent off in Premier League history (63).

Slot: It is so obvious

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot speaking to Sky Sports about the foul on Mac Allister:

"He kept playing, so I assume he's okay. He's used to something because he's from South America. But I think everyone has said something about it so why should I add something to it?

"It's so obvious it's not necessary for me to comment. I'd prefer to talk about Diogo's goal or Curtis Jones' performance or something else than the red card incident.

"It could have been [a serious injury] but it wasn't fortunately. And he was lucky about that."

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Former ref Mike Dean was left 'astounded' after James Tarkowski escaped a red card Moyes: It was a brilliant tackle

Everton manager David Moyes speaking to Sky Sports:

"My first thought was it was a brilliant tackle for a derby game and a tackle we might have seen a few years ago.

"But I understand these days we might see things slightly different with follow throughs, etc.

"We might have got a bit lucky - but don't be putting that with the goal. The goal was a different incident which won Liverpool the game in the end."

Why wasn't Diaz flagged offside for Jota goal?

Luis Diaz appeared to be standing in an offside position in the build-up to Jota's winner.

The ball was played towards Diaz, with the Liverpool man in an offside position. Tarkowski moved to his right to intercept that pass.

The ball broke to Jota who deflected the ball to the now onside Diaz, who assisted his team-mate for the decisive goal.

"It's a clear offside, a very easy decision to give," said Moyes afterwards.

However, Diaz is not obstructing Tarkowski's line of vision, he isn't challenging for the ball, he isn't attempting to play the ball, or making an action which impacts the ability of Tarkowski to play the ball.

And according to the laws, that means Diaz is not offside.

"Tarkowski knows he's there," said Carragher on Sky Sports. "He probably doesn't go to ground if Luis Diaz isn't there. He probably just clears the ball up the pitch. But the fact Diaz doesn't make any movement towards the ball, when you look at the rules there's no way this was ever going to be overturned.

"If it goes against you it's frustrating but in the main most people would want that as a goal."

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Paul Merson couldn't believe it after Beto missed a huge chance for Everton Everton's Anfield woe

• Everton have failed to score in 13 of their 30 games, no team has failed to do so more often in the Premier League this season.
• Everton failed to attempt a shot on target in this game, it's the first time they failed to attempt a shot on target in a game in the Premier League since facing Bournemouth on 4th January 2025.
• David Moyes is winless in all 20 of his Premier League matches at Anfield (D6 L14), losing each of the last nine in a row. It is the most games any manager has managed at one stadium without winning in Premier League history.
• Liverpool have lost just one of their last 25 home Premier League matches against Everton (W15 D9), a 2-0 defeat in 2020-21.
• Everton have failed to win in their last 5 games in the Premier League.

Story of the match in stats... What's coming up in the Premier League?

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Luis Diaz was in an offside position moments before Diogo Jota scored for Liverpool against Everton

Luis Diaz was in an offside position moments before Diogo Jota scored for Liverpool against Everton

Everton captain James Tarkowski produced the most controversial moment of the first half in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool

Everton captain James Tarkowski produced the most controversial moment of the first half in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool

Everton captain James Tarkowski was given a yellow card for a challenge on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the Merseyside derby