Liverpool Held to a Draw as Officiating Decisions Spark Debate at Goodison | OneFootball

Everton 2-2 Liverpool: Post-Match Analysis and Refereeing Controversy

The latest Merseyside Derby ended in controversy as Everton held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. In a heated discussion on Anfield Index’s Post Match Raw podcast, Trev Downey, Dave Hendrick, and Hari Sethi dissected the game, Liverpool’s performance, and the officiating by Michael Oliver.

Liverpool’s Frustrating Performance at Goodison

From the outset, Liverpool appeared unsettled. Trev Downey expressed his exasperation, stating, “We played down to their level and the referee ensured we’d get nothing from this game.” Hendrick concurred, adding, “Five of the eleven starters can say they did their bit – the rest? Not so much.”

Despite their struggles, Liverpool showed moments of quality, particularly with Mohamed Salah’s goal to give them a 2-1 lead. Hendrick highlighted Salah’s instinctive finish, noting, “It was a classic Mo goal – right place, right time.” Yet, Liverpool’s inability to maintain control ultimately cost them.

Photo: IMAGO

Michael Oliver’s Officiating Under Scrutiny

A major talking point was Michael Oliver’s refereeing. Downey didn’t hold back: “That was one of the most disgraceful officiating performances I’ve ever seen.” The hosts pointed to several incidents, including a dubious free-kick that led to Everton’s first goal and the decision to allow Tarkowski’s equaliser in the 98th minute despite what appeared to be a clear foul on Ibrahima Konate.

Hari Sethi voiced his disbelief, saying, “Michael Oliver was complicit in Everton’s game plan – kick, dive, and disrupt.” Hendrick went further: “Oliver bought every single dive. You wouldn’t see better at the Olympics.”

Everton’s Strategy: Chaos and Physicality

Everton approached the game with a physical, disruptive strategy. Hendrick ridiculed their fans’ reaction: “They had a pitch invasion for an equaliser while sitting 15th in the league. It’s embarrassing.”

Sethi highlighted Everton’s direct play, observing, “They targeted long balls to Beto and looked for second balls – classic David Moyes tactics.” While Everton’s approach was effective, Liverpool’s disjointed pressing and midfield struggles played into their hands.

Liverpool’s Tactical Missteps

The podcast crew agreed Liverpool contributed to their own downfall. Hendrick was particularly critical of the defensive line during Everton’s opening goal: “Basic fundamentals were missing – stand on the ball, don’t switch off. Schoolboy stuff.”

Trev Downey also questioned Liverpool’s in-game management: “Why wasn’t Endo brought on when we went 2-1 up? We needed calm, but we didn’t get it.”

The Bigger Picture for Liverpool

Despite the disappointment, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Hendrick remained optimistic: “We’re seven points clear with 14 games left. Ten wins should do it.”

Sethi echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the team’s ability to grind out results, despite adversity, could prove decisive. “Games like these, as frustrating as they are, can galvanise a squad,” he said.

Final Thoughts

The Merseyside Derby delivered drama, controversy, and frustration in equal measure. As the Post Match Raw team highlighted, Liverpool’s performance was below par, but Michael Oliver’s officiating stole the headlines.

With Arne Slot at the helm and Mohamed Salah continuing to deliver, Liverpool remain in a strong position. Yet, as Downey concluded, “This title is ours to lose – if we keep our heads, we’ll get there.”