‘Easy decision’ – David Moyes slams major moment that sees Liverpool edge closer to Premier League title

David Moyes is stunned that Liverpool’s winner against Everton was allowed to stand, insisting it should have been ruled out for offside.

The Toffees lost 1-0 in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Wednesday night with Diogo Jota’s 57th-minute strike helping the Reds take another step close to the Premier League title.

As a result, Liverpool have edged closer to scooping their second Premier League title as they extended their lead over closest challengers Arsenal to 12 points.

But for Moyes, whose Everton side remain in 15th spot, he believes the Goodison Park outfit have been robbed of a valuable point on the road.

Moyes has taken exception to Luis Diaz clearly standing in an offside position behind James Tarkowski in the build-up to Jota‘s goal.

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch looked to play Diaz in behind, but the Colombian didn’t actively move towards the ball after recognising he was offside.

But Diaz’s presence caused a stir in the Everton defence, with Tarkowski, who was seen pointing at the ex-Porto star, sliding in to stop him from receiving the pass.

Meanwhile his centre-back partner Jarrad Branthwaite instantly appealed by raising his hand and was left distracted as play moved on.

To make matters worse for Moyes, after Tarkowski dived in, the ball ricocheted towards Diaz – who by that stage was onside – whose back heel flick found the run of Jota, who jinked past Idrissa Gueye and Branthwaite before firing past Jordan Pickford.

Moyes was left baffled that VAR failed to intervene when discussing the incident to Sky Sports following the match.

He said: “There’s an offside goal which they get. That’s the difference in the game.”

Asked whether he believes it should have been ruled out, the Scotsman replied: “I do.

“I think the player is behind Tarkowski, interfering with him clearing it [the ball].

“It’s a clear offside, I think it’s a very easy decision to give.

“I can’t understand any reason why that wouldn’t have been given as offside. None at all.”

According to Premier League rules, the goal was given due to Diaz not challenging for the ball or Tarkowski and failing to obstruct the ex-Burnley star’s view.

For Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher, he insisted VAR was right not to overturn the goal, despite acknowledging Tarkowski was impacted by Diaz.

The Sky pundit said: “Look at Tarkowski, he has one look, he points his arm, now 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 that Luis Diaz doesn’t make any movement towards the ball, when you look at the rules, there was no way this was ever going to be overturned.”

Before adding: “It’s one of them that goes against you, you’re frustrated, but I think most people would want that as a goal.”

Though Everton legend Duncan Ferguson believes his former employers were hard done by, as he alluded to Branthwaite being left distracted by Diaz’s position.

He remarked: “Branthwaite is in there, he’s noticing it, he’s putting his hand up, he’s not concentrating.

“So he’s looking for the offside, so when the action comes towards him, he’s not concentrating enough, he’s looking for the offside isn’t he?”

The offside call was the second major controversial decision of the derby, with the first again involving Tarkowski.

In the 11th minute, Tarkowski was fortunate to remain on the pitch following a ‘leg breaking’ tackle on Alexis Mac Allister.

The England international slid in to stop Mac Allister from getting to the ball first outside of Everton’s box.

But in his follow through, the ex-Burnley man caught the 2022 World Cup winner high up on his leg.

Referee Sam Barrott instantly brandished him a yellow card as concerned Liverpool players crowded around their stricken teammate, with VAR refusing to send the match official to the pitchside monitor.

Next up for Everton is a home clash against Arsenal in Saturday’s early afternoon kick-off – live on talkSPORT – where they are looking to end their five-match winless run.

Meanwhile Arne Slot‘s men pit their waits against Fulham at Craven Cottage the following day.