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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Darwin Nunez sends Conor Coady VAR message as Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp given angry question

Liverpool's bumpy Premier League campaign continued with a goalless draw at neighbours Everton on Saturday.

Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah all struck the woodwork but there was to be no breakthrough as the Reds had to settle for a point. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side have won only two of their first six top-flight games this term.

But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at Goodison.

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Nunez has a nibble

Goodison erupted when Conor Coady prodded home Neal Maupay's cross midway through the second half, with the former Liverpool defender's passionate celebration underlining where his allegiances now lie.

But the initial thought he had strayed into an offside position was confirmed by a VAR check, much to the chagrin of one Everton supporter in particular who strode on to the pitch to remonstrate with referee Anthony Taylor before being forcibly removed by stewards and police.

And Coady was given a reminder of why his goal had been disallowed when Darwin Nunez couldn't resist drawing a television with his fingers in front of the Blues man before pointing to the touchline. Suspect he already knew that, Darwin.

Klopp given call

The Everton crowd cranked up the volume in a typical derby atmosphere, aiming their most volatile barbs towards the visitors. And there was one directed at Jurgen Klopp that prompted particular mirth.

With Liverpool preparing to make changes during the second half, an angry shout from one supporter in the Goodison main stand enquired sarcastically: "Is that enough substitutes for you, Klopp?"

Having been a long time-advocate of using five substitutions in the Premier League, the Reds boss would no doubt have nodded in agreement had he heard.

Pressing concern

Klopp, though, had more pressing concerns during an opening half-hour in which Liverpool, despite dominating possession, looked rather clueless going forward.

And the Reds boss was particularly unhappy with the way in which his attackers were slow to close down the Everton backline, whirling his arms on the touchline and imploring they start getting stuck in.

Meanwhile, Pep Lijnders was in philosophical mood walking past the media after the match. "I'm okay thanks," he declared, before adding: "Well, sort of after that!"

Arthur arrives

There was plenty to observe in the post-match mixed zone, the area where the players and press can in theory mingle.

New Liverpool signing Arthur Melo, who was an unused substitute, has already started settling in and left the stadium while chatting with the Reds' South American contingent.

And Coady was spotted giving Virgil van Dijk a hug then bemoaning the fact the Liverpool centre-back didn't have longer legs which could have kept the Everton man onside for his disallowed goal. Nice try, Conor.

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