Three huge decisions in Merseyside derby as "lucky" Liverpool edge Everton
Liverpool received a helping hand from referee Craig Pawson en route to Saturday’s Merseyside derby victory against fierce rivals Everton.
The Reds extended their excellent record over their cross-city neighbours with a 2-0 success at Merseyside - both goals coming from Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah. He scored the opener from the penalty spot and rounded off the scoring late on as Everton pushed for an equaliser.
While the win will leave the red half of Merseyside - and boss Jurgen Klopp - delighted, the Toffees and their manager Sean Dyche will be left fuming at a couple of contentious decisions:
Ashley Young's red card
Everton’s task of getting one over their neighbours was not helped by veteran Ashley Young being given his marching orders in the first-half. He at first took down Colombian speedster Luis Diaz with less than 20 minutes played.
Young then repeated the trick only minutes later as he hauled over the former Porto man as he attempted to skip into the penalty area. Referee Pawson took his time before showing him the red card.
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James Tarkowski argues with Craig Pawson (Getty Images)Was Ashley Young deservedly sent off against Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Konate avoids dismissal
While there was debate over Young’s dismissal, Everton’s mood was then worsened after Liverpool's French defender Ibrahima Konate avoided the same fate. The Frenchman had initially been cautioned just minutes after the break for taking down Andre Onana.
He cast a nervous look at the referee as he wrapped an arm around Everton striker Beto as he attempted to stage a counter-attack. Despite loud appeals from the away end and Dyche, Konate remained on the field.
That wouldn’t last for too long as Klopp made the decision to replace him with fellow defender Joel Matip. Speaking post-match, the German admitted that his side were fortunate.
He said: "When he didn't get the second yellow, I thought we had to take him off. I can understand the frustration. Absolutely. We were the better side. Would we have won? I don't know, we'll never find out. We deserved the three points.”
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand agreed with that assessment. He said: “I thought they were the better team, but they have been lucky today in terms of decisions.
“He (Konate) escaped a second yellow today and I thought we were very fortunate in that sense. I don’t think Liverpool played particularly well today. Everton defended well but this wasn’t a performance that made you say wow, this is a team that is firing on all cylinders.”
Sean Dyche was left furious with some of the decisions to go against his side (Getty Images)Handball call
For a long time, it looked as though Liverpool would not find their opener - that was until Salah was given the opportunity from the spot. Diaz crossed the ball into the Everton penalty area, with his cross striking the outstretched arm of Michael Keane.
The appeals were initially waved away only for referee Pawson to change his mind when given the opportunity of a second look by VAR. Salah accepted the chance and struck clinically to give his side the lead.
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