Jurgen Klopp had some stern words for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez following the Reds’ damaging defeat away to Everton. Liverpool’s title challenge took a potentially fatal blow at Goodison Park, with Everton running out deserved 2-0 winners – their first Merseyside derby triumph at home since 2010.
While the Everton players were serenaded by their supporters, Klopp and Nunez shared a frank exchange. The Uruguay international appeared to start moaning about something towards Klopp, having gesticulated in the referee’s direction, but the Liverpool manager was having none of it.
Klopp responded to Nunez’s protestations about the officials by lifting his finger and placing it to his mouth – essentially telling him to be quiet. Before being told off by his manager, Nunez was spotted sarcastically clapping the referee and officials at the full-time whistle. It was just one of several low points for Klopp and co. against their rivals.
By sharp contrast, Everton enjoyed a stellar evening’s work. Not only did they record their first home victory against Liverpool in over a decade, but the Toffees also took a gigantic leap towards safety. Sean Dyche’s side sit eight points clear of the relegation zone with just four games of the season left to play, meaning their survival could be secured this weekend.
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In the end, it was difficult to decipher which team was fighting for their lives and which were in the midst of a title challenge. Everton were much the better side against their cross-city rivals, with the hosts having gone ahead midway through the first half.
Jarrad Brainthwaite’s opener was backed up in the second period, this time Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting his name on the scoresheet with a stylish header. The Englishman lept highest inside the penalty area to nod home and secure the three points for his side.
Speaking after the match, boss Klopp admitted his side weren’t ‘good enough’ and will need a giant helping hand to win the league title. He said: “We let it become exactly the game Everton wanted, two goals from set-pieces. They are really strong [on set pieces].
“We created a lot and didn’t score in the first half. And then in the second half, a lot of emotions, we’re in a rush, not really clear enough.
“Then you concede the second goal with a routine they do all season. We knew exactly the ball would end up there, we just didn’t defend well enough… They had a free-kick after free-kick, that’s one part of the story as well.”
He added: “But we were not good enough, that’s what we have to admit, absolutely.”
