David Moyes has questioned the "strange" decision to award just three minutes of stoppage time during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over local rivals Everton on Saturday.
The Reds maintained their perfect start to the Premier League campaign with another victory against Moyes' side at Anfield, securing their fifth consecutive victory to remain at the top of the table.
Ryan Gravenberch delivered an exceptional display, netting the opener after just 10 minutes with a skilful lofted strike from Mohamed Salah's delivery, before setting up Hugo Ekitike for the second goal.
The defeat extends Moyes' miserable record at Anfield to 21 Premier League matches without a victory, establishing an unwanted milestone as no manager has overseen more games at a single venue in the competition without winning.
David Moyes has questioned the "strange" decision to award just three minutes of stoppage time during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over local rivals Everton on Saturday
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Despite Everton's spirited second-half comeback through Idrissa Gueye's thunderous effort, the Toffees couldn't prevent another painful derby loss.
Following the match, Moyes expressed frustration with several officiating decisions whilst acknowledging his side's improved display.
"We were much closer. The performance in second half warranted to get something but we gave too much in the first half," the Everton manager told BBC Match of the Day.
JUST IN: Three things learnt as Liverpool hold on to beat Everton in nervy Merseyside derby
David Moyes was not impressed by the decision to allow just three minutes of stoppage time
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The Scot questioned referee Anthony Taylor's match management, particularly regarding Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's booking for attempting a quick free-kick.
"The bigger thing is the game seemed to be controlled by the referee, we couldn't start anything quickly. We couldn't play," Moyes stated.
"I have had played plenty of games where teams have taken quick free-kicks and it hasn't been the referees' whistle.
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"I found it strange there was only three minutes. If Liverpool were 2-0 down I'm not sure if three minutes would have been put up."
The Scot remained diplomatic regarding a potential foul on Iliman Ndiaye in the build-up to Gravenberch's opener: "I have not seen it again I couldn't be sure. I probably would have said it wasn't a foul but there is a lot of other things that I could have said, but I won't if you don't mind.
"The boys never gave up and showed a great deal of resilience."
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Jack Grealish received a booking for his protests after the final whistle
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Gravenberch's early strike arrived when he expertly controlled Salah's bouncing cross before whipping the ball past Jordan Pickford with impressive technique.
The Dutch midfielder then created Liverpool's second, threading a precise pass between Everton's defensive line for Ekitike to slot beneath the diving goalkeeper.
The visitors struggled to create meaningful opportunities in the opening period, with Beto's physical presence causing minimal concern for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Ryan Gravenberch scored a brilliant first goal
|REUTERS
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall squandered a promising chance after combining with Jack Grealish.
Everton emerged transformed after the interval, with Grealish tormenting Conor Bradley down the left flank.
The winger's cross found Iliman Ndiaye unmarked at the far post, who unselfishly squared for Gueye to blast home from close range, giving Alisson no chance.
Slot opted to rest summer acquisitions Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak initially, showcasing squad depth with Gravenberch excelling alongside reunited midfield partners Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The pair were introduced after the break, when Everton had improved.
The Toffees' resurgence did highlight Liverpool's ongoing defensive frailties, with nervous home supporters calling for the final whistle. Moyes' side created the better opportunities in the closing stages but couldn't find an equaliser, leaving them to rue their passive first-half approach.
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