Andy Robertson had the last laugh on Jordan Pickford after the pair were at the heart of some Merseyside derby handbags.
Liverpool hosted Everton at Anfield looking for a first Premier League win of the year, and they duly got one thanks to counter attacking goals from Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo, who netted his first for the Reds as Jurgen Klopp’s men recorded a much needed 2-0 victory over their city rivals. James Tarkowski had hit the post seconds before Liverpool raced upfield and opened the scoring through Salah, who was left with an easy finish after England No. 1 Pickford went walkabout between the sticks.
And there was more slackness at the back from Sean Dyche’s men for the second. Coady inexplicably allowed a low cross to roll across him in the six yard box without knowing who was behind him, which meant Gakpo was able to tap in his first since signing from PSV Eindhoven and condemn the Blues to another derby defeat across Stanley Park.
And Pickford’s night didn't get any better after rushing out of his goals to confront Robertson in the second half. The Scotland skipper, who was making his 250th appearance for Liverpool, was penalised for handball after closing down Seamus Coleman, the Irishman clocking up his 400th game for the Toffees.
Despite the whistle blowing, Robertson played on for a few seconds before playing the ball into the box so no one could waste a bit of time. This incensed Pickford, who ran over and gave the Scotsman a shove.
Robertson however, simply responded by pointing and laughing in the goalkeeper’s face. He continued chuckling as Pickford gave him a second shove and Coady and Coleman came across to give him their two cents’ worth. Robertson’s teammate Diogo Jota then stuck up for his mate, as did former Celtic star Virgil Van Dijk, who got involved from the touchline as he was warming up.
That prompted even more from both sides to get involved. Robertson was back in the thick of it as well, still grinning as the Goodison players continued to take the bait. He then had more words for Pickford as he continued to ask Robertson what he was playing at.
The outcome was a booking for each after stewards had cleared the subs off the pitch. And both took it well, offering a genuine smile and a handshake before finally getting on with the game.
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