Anthony Gordon is the name on many people's lips at the moment, for both good and bad reasons.
The Everton academy graduate has undeniably been one of the Toffees' standout players of what has been a disastrous season, but Sunday's short trip across Merseyside saw Gordon cautioned for diving as the 21-year-old made his way into the Liverpool penalty area.
It was a fiercely contested affair between the two neighbours, with the players having to be separated on multiple occasions during the first half as the hosts bemoaned Everton's time-wasting while the visitors were left furious when Liverpool refused to put the ball out when Richarlison lay stricken on the turf.
The incident that saw Gordon's name go in the book came when he had managed to get past Naby Keita before falling to the floor after the deftest of touches from his opponent. Atwell was less than convinced and punished Everton's new kid on the block.
A similar moment occurred after the interval as Gordon, at times seemingly the only trying to attack in a blue shirt, made his way into the penalty area again only to have Joel Matip stand on his foot. Yet again, he fell to the floor and both sets of supporters were up in arms.
The travelling faithful wanted a spot-kick, while the home crowd demanded Gordon be dismissed for a second yellow card for diving. Atwell opted for neither, instead simply pointing for a goal-kick to Liverpool.
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Gordon protested the decisions at the time but was very honest in his assessment of the situation after the game. "The first one, I’ve watched back. I’ve felt the contact and went down, but from a few angles, I can see why [the referee] hasn’t given it. But it’s certainly not a yellow card because it’s not a dive."
The midfielder went on to reflect on the second contentious moment, claiming the coming together with Matip is one that is more likely to be given as a penalty. "We could have had a penalty, in my opinion. But sometimes they just go against you and that’s just how football is at times," he added.
"The second [appeal] was the strongest because he stood on my foot. Clearly, I’ve gone one-v-one with him and got the better of him and he’s stood on my foot, which has caused me severe pain and I’ve gone down."
Everton were valiant in their efforts to keep Liverpool at bay, but as manager Frank Lampard explained after the game - the Reds are a cut above the rest and the gulf in quality is evident. The Toffees boss said: "We are not in a position to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool, We were smart for 60 minutes and then it becomes very difficult after that."
