Everton’s four-game unbeaten run came to an end at Anfield, as Liverpool won 2-1 in the Merseyside derby.
Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike scored in the first half to take the game away from David Moyes’ side, who did battle well in the second period.
Everton were on the wrong end of a few controversial decisions, as it appeared as though Iliman Ndiaye was fouled in the build-up to Gravenberch’s opener.
Jack Grealish and Moyes remonstrated with the referee at the full-time whistle, with the former picking up a yellow card.
Wayne Rooney gave his verdict on the game post-match and admitted that Moyes made one error which cost them.
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Wayne Rooney says David Moyes made one error in Everton vs Liverpool
BBC Match of the Day pundit Wayne Rooney said Everton were the better side from 2-0 onwards, however, he was critical of Moyes.
The former Plymouth Argyle manager thought the substitutions should’ve come much earlier.
“Everton started off poorly,” Rooney said. “Liverpool obviously took advantage of that with the opening two goals.
“After that I think Everton were probably the better team. They just lacked cutting edge, intensity and some aggression.
“The second-half changes were positive but should have been made earlier.”
Wayne Rooney said Everton needed to be ‘braver’
At half-time, Rooney also identified the lack of bravery on the ball from the visiting Toffees.
“Everton need to be braver on the ball,” the former England international said.
“They improved in the final 10 minutes of the first half and they’ve occasionally looked dangerous down the left.
“Liverpool have got in behind Everton’s midfield too easily, especially down the right.”
Alan Irvine revealed earlier this week that Everton were going away from a possession-based approach on the training pitch, focusing more on making penetrative runs.
They’ll have to find that balance against the top teams, who will punish you if you sit in and fail to keep possession.
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