Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher fumed with Everton forward Richarlison over alleged gamesmanship and took aim at Abdoulaye Doucoure as tensions boiled over during Sunday's Merseyside derby.
An ill-tempered first half was littered with fouls and Richarlison required treatment on numerous occasions, although he was able to complete the full 90 minutes at Anfield. Seconds before the interval, the Brazilian fell to the turf once again after trying to tackle Thiago but Liverpool continued to play on.
Everton players voiced their unhappiness that the ball was not put out of play in the referee's direction before Doucoure was penalised for a foul on Fabinho in midfield. This led to Stuart Attwell being swarmed by both teams and the Mali international was ultimately shown a yellow card, joining Anthony Gordon in the book.
Carragher was serving as co-commentator for Sky Sports and had no time for what he saw as blatant play acting from Richarlison, while the former England defender was equally aghast with Doucoure for his "stupid" behaviour in getting book. "Honestly, get up. Get up, carry on," Carragher said of Richarlison.
"If Doucoure gets a yellow card because his teammate goes down. Stupid from Doucoure trying to stop the game but Richarlison... there's nothing wrong with him." Carragher was not alone in his exasperation about Everton's behaviour with his former teammate Stephen Warnock similarly critical of what he saw from the visitors.
"I've never seen gamesmanship like it from Richarlison," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He rolls round, and does it game after game. He's so frustrating to watch because he's a gifted footballer and I wonder why he wastes his time."
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At half-time, with the scoreline 0-0, Warnock added: "We expected so much from Liverpool but Everton's tactics have been perfect. They've been frustrating to watch and frustrating to play against. Frank Lampard will be getting his players in at half time and saying, 'job well done'."
Everton's stubborn resistance lasted just over an hour before Andy Robertson popped up unmarked at the back post to head Liverpool in front from Mohamed Salah's cross. Then in the 85th minute, Divock Origi reaffirmed his place as an Anfield fan favourite by nodding in from Luis Diaz's acrobatic effort.
The result means Liverpool stay within one point of Premier League leaders Manchester City with five games remaining in the enthralling title race. At the other end of the table, the Toffees sit in the relegation zone, two points behind Burnley - who defeated Wolves 1-0 earlier on Sunday - with a game in hand.
