The third - referee Craig Pawson’s failure to send off Ibrahima Konate when a trip on Beto merited a second caution - reeked of the kind of rank inconsistency which is contaminating the Premier League, leaving Everton manager Sean Dyche ‘baffled’ and Klopp relieved.
Klopp betrayed his emotions when he subbed Konate seconds after he had avoided his second caution for a 65th minute foul on Everton’s substitute striker, Liverpool’s manager recognising his defender’s good fortune.
Two were correct as Ashley Young was dismissed for two yellow cards, and Michael Keane’s handball effectively settled the game following a Var penalty check.
The Egyptian would double the lead in the last minute of injury time, confirming Liverpool’s superiority even though Everton were organised and brave defensively.
Given the punishment for Young which meant Everton played an hour (inclusive of nine minutes added time) with ten-men, one wondered if Dyche might sardonically request a replay.
