‘Got That Wrong’: Ally McCoist Points Out Michael Oliver Mistake Which Really Cost Liverpool Last Night
Liverpool faced a tough challenge in the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening.
After more than two months, the Reds finally played their game in hand, with an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table by nine points with a victory.
However, the match did not begin favourably for Liverpool, as Everton aimed to capitalise on the intense atmosphere at Goodison Park.
Similar to last season, the Toffees managed to secure a first-half lead.
On this occasion, it was Beto who made the difference for Everton, slipping through Liverpool’s defence with relative ease before firing past Alisson Becker.
As noted by Ally McCoist during his commentary for TNT Sports, Everton’s goal carried a significant element of luck.
It was a dreadful start for Liverpool on Wednesday, as they fell behind within the first ten minutes at Goodison Park.
Arne Slot’s side had no excuse for their poor defending. No one reacted to Jarrad Branthwaite’s quick free-kick, allowing Beto to score far too easily.
There was, however, a strong case that the free-kick should not have been awarded in the first place.
Iliman Ndiaye won the decision after evading Alexis Mac Allister and going to ground.
Yet, replays clearly showed that Mac Allister made no contact with the Everton player. Upon reviewing the incident, McCoist acknowledged that Liverpool had every reason to feel aggrieved.
“They’ve got a point there,” said the co-commentator. “It looks like Michael Oliver got that one wrong.”
Pundits Disagree Over Liverpool Free-kick
McCoist was completely right. There was no contact at all. Ndiaye cleverly won the foul, and Oliver was deceived.
And as the pundits convened to debate at half-time, the Red and Blue corners of the studio disagreed. Surprise surprise.
“I think when you slow it down it doesn’t look like there’s much contact but we see these free-kicks given on a weekly basis,” said former Everton captain Phil Jagielka. “He’s drawn the foul.”
“It wasn’t a free-kick,” countered Steve McManaman. “But they’ve got no qualms, throw-ins, free-kicks, corners can go against you. They should have defended better.”
In other news, David Moyes Disagrees with Virgil van Dijk as Everton Boss Issues Clear Verdict After Liverpool
