Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Ally McCoist thought Liverpool had a right to feel aggrieved with Michael Oliver's call before Everton opened the scoring in the Merseyside derby(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist feels Everton were fortunate to have taken an early advantage against Liverpool.

Beto put the hosts one goal up in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park as a result of a well-worked free-kick routine.

The stakes have rarely been higher for local bragging rights on Merseyside as Everton and Liverpool do battle for the final time at the former's home of 132 years, Goodison Park.



The Reds gave away a free-kick on the halfway line, Jarrad Branthwaite threaded the pass through a sleeping defence and Beto tucked beyond Alisson Becker.

READ MORE:Liverpool make 10 changes for Merseyside derby as starting line-up namedREAD MORE:Trent Alexander-Arnold latest amid Real Madrid contract cost claim and summer plan for Liverpool ace

But it was Liverpool's belief that the foul that led to the free-kick should never have been given by Michael Oliver as the player deemed to have been fouled, Iliman Ndiaye, had jumped over the challenge of Alexis Mac Allister.

"They’ve got a point.

They’ve got a point," McCoist responded, sharing the sentiment as he saw replays whilst on commentary duty for broadcaster TNT Sports.

The Rangers legend then added: "I did mention that Michael Oliver had the best seat in the house for it, but it looks like he got that one wrong."

At that point in the night, albeit early, Liverpool were staring the worst possible outcome in the face.

Not only would they have been losing the Merseyside derby to their fierce rivals but they would have been failing to extend the gap at the top of the table above second-placed Arsenal.

Victory at Goodison Park would mean Arne Slot's side open up a nine-point advantage.

Mikel Arteta's side next play on Saturday lunchtime but with the Merseyside derby taking place it means both title contenders are equal on 24 matches played.

Article continues below

Liverpool were level through Mac Allister, who flicked a header past Jordan Pickford after getting on the end of a Mohamed Salah cross five minutes after Beto's controversial strike.


For more news relating to Everton, visit our sister site EFC Live.