Everton manager David Moyes has faced backlash following his post-match interview after Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. Diogo Jota’s goal secured the Reds’ 100th Merseyside derby victory, pushing them closer to their 20th league title.
As expected, the match was filled with controversy. Just weeks after a heated derby at Goodison Park, this clash saw its fair share of contentious moments—from James Tarkowski’s studs-up challenge on Alexis Mac Allister to Darwin Núñez receiving a questionable yellow card despite being kicked by Jordan Pickford.
Moyes’ Complaints Over Liverpool’s Goal
Moyes, who has yet to win a Premier League match at Anfield in 20 attempts, did not hold back in his post-match remarks. He argued that Luis Díaz, despite being in an offside position before Liverpool’s goal, interfered with James Tarkowski’s clearance, which eventually led to Jota’s winner.
“There’s an offside goal, which they get. So that’s the difference in the game tonight. I think the players behind Tarkowski have interfered with him. It’s a clear offside, I think it’s an easy decision. I can’t think of any reason that wouldn’t have been given offside.”
However, VAR ruled that Díaz did not impact play, and the goal was allowed to stand.
Defending Tarkowski’s Controversial Challenge
In a move that further raised eyebrows, Moyes also appeared to defend Tarkowski’s dangerous challenge on Mac Allister—an incident widely viewed as a clear red card. Even former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson criticized the tackle, yet Moyes suggested it was a strong but fair challenge.
“My first thought was that it was a great tackle in a derby. A tackle that we used to see a few years ago. I understand it’s a bit different now to what it was like afterwards. We were maybe a bit lucky, but don’t put it in the same bracket as Liverpool’s goal, because it was another incident that won the game for Liverpool.”
Fan Reactions to Moyes’ Comments
Moyes’ remarks have sparked significant criticism online, with fans accusing him of lacking understanding of the modern game.
- “Moyes has embarrassed himself. You’d have thought after all his years in the game he’d know the rules. Clueless about the red card. Clueless about the offside.”
- “Moyes is an idiot. The two incidents aren’t related, eh Davey boy? Tarkowski shouldn’t have been on the pitch in the lead-up to the goal.”
- “Diaz made no attempt for the ball and never interfered with play. Sounds like Moyes is making excuses for losing a game his side didn’t deserve to win in the first place.”
- “David Moyes clearly doesn’t know the offside rule. That’s not an opinion, it’s fact. How can a Premier League manager rock up to a post-match interview and speak like someone who has never watched football in his life?”
- “David Moyes giving an interview straight out of the 90s.”
Moyes’ frustration is understandable given Everton’s position in the league, but his comments have only added to the debate surrounding refereeing decisions and the evolving rules of the game.
