"It was a penalty" - Frank Lampard on incident during the second-half
Everton boss Frank Lampard believes his side should have been awarded a penalty during yesterday's Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Liverpool secured a 2-0 win over the Toffees. However, Lampard implied that the result could have been different had Reds centre-back Joel Matip been penalised for his challenge on Everton forward Anthony Gordon during the second-half.
As quoted by journalist Paul Gorst on Twitter, the ex-Chelsea midfielder said the following during his post-match press conference: “It was a penalty. If that was Mohamed Salah at the other end, he gets a penalty. You don't get them here. That's the reality of football sometimes.”Anfield Watch Verdict
Lampard was very bitter after yesterday's match. We don't believe that there was much in Matip's challenge.
If it was a clear penalty, it more than likely would have been given. Football is an emotional game, so we can understand why Lampard was frustrated after the match.
However, we did not agree with his post-game comments. On another note, there is a fair chance that Liverpool will not be playing against Everton in the Premier League next season.
As things stand, the Toffees will be relegated. They sit in 18th-place on the table. Everton do have six games left to salvage their season.
It would be strange to not have the Merseyside derby as part of the Premier League fixture list next season. But, it is a real possibility.
Also, Liverpool do beat Everton for fun these days. The Toffees have only beaten the Reds on one occasion in the past 12 years, so we always look forward to the derby.
Only time will tell if Everton are to avoid relegation. Liverpool do have other things to worry about at the moment.
The Reds are competing for the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.