Merseyside Derby Halftime Report: Liverpool and Everton Level at 0-0 Amid VAR Drama

The first half of the Merseyside Derby at Anfield was a tense affair, ending goalless but not without significant talking points. League leaders Liverpool dominated possession (72%) but struggled to break down a resilient Everton defence.

The most controversial moment came early on when Everton captain James Tarkowski lunged into a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister. While Tarkowski appeared to get the ball, his follow-through with studs showing caught the Liverpool midfielder. Referee Michael Oliver issued a yellow card, a decision reviewed by VAR for a potential red card. To the relief of the visitors, VAR upheld the yellow card decision, sparking debate about consistency and whether Everton were lucky to keep eleven players on the pitch.

Everton carried a threat on the counter-attack. Beto had the ball in the net after shrugging off Virgil van Dijk, only to be correctly flagged offside, a decision confirmed by VAR. Later, a rare mistake from van Dijk allowed Beto a clear run on goal, but his shot struck the post, letting Liverpool off the hook.

Liverpool had their chances, with Konaté heading over from an early corner and Pickford saving efforts from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah. Injuries forced Liverpool's hand in selection, with Kelleher deputising for the injured Alisson and Curtis Jones filling in at right-back for the absent Trent Alexander-Arnold. Everton, meanwhile, fielded the same lineup that drew with West Ham.

As the half wore on, Liverpool increased the pressure, but Everton's defence, marshalled by the fortunate Tarkowski and Branthwaite, held firm.

Why wasn't James Tarkowski sent off for his foul on Mac Allister?

The referee issued a yellow card for the challenge where Tarkowski played the ball but also caught the player with his studs. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed the incident for a potential red card due to the nature of the tackle (open sole) but ultimately upheld the on-field decision of a yellow card. Many observers considered Everton fortunate.

Why did Liverpool start Kelleher in goal?

Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, was unavailable due to a head injury sustained during international duty. Caoimhin Kelleher started in his place.

Who scored the disallowed goal for Everton?

Beto put the ball in the net for Everton in the 20th minute, but the goal was immediately disallowed for offside by the linesman. VAR confirmed the offside decision.

The first half delivered tension and controversy, but no goals. Will Liverpool's pressure tell in the second half, or can Everton snatch something on the break? *What are your predictions for the final score? Let us know!*

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